Amid the proliferation of early-age soccer schools in Surabaya, one academy remains consistent in placing discipline as the main foundation of its coaching. Not merely chasing technique and tactics, this soccer school instills character values from the moment children first step onto the green field.

Coaching at SSB HBS Surabaya is conducted in stages and tiers, starting from the U-9, U-11, U-12, and up to U-15 age groups. Each age group receives a training portion tailored to the child’s physical and mental development stage, yet remains within the overarching coaching philosophy: discipline, responsibility, and commitment.

For SSB HBS Surabaya, training is not just a weekly routine. Children are accustomed to arriving on time, following the coach’s instructions with full responsibility, and maintaining good behavior both on and off the field. These values become part of the character-building process believed to significantly influence their future.

The coach emphasized that discipline is the non-negotiable initial capital in the world of soccer, especially at an early age.

“No matter how great a child’s talent, without discipline it will be difficult to develop. We always remind them that before talking about playing technique, discipline must be built first,” they said.

According to the coach, the habit of discipline instilled from an early age will facilitate the coaching process to a higher level. Children become more ready to receive training material, able to control their emotions, and possess strong mental fortitude when facing competition.

A similar sentiment was expressed by a senior coach. They believe that early-age soccer coaching requires patience, diligence, and long-term consistency.

“Training here is not only about creating great players, but about shaping character. From regular training, the children’s mentality, responsibility, and maturity gradually grow,” they stated.

This process-oriented coaching approach is beginning to yield results. SSB HBS Surabaya has reportedly produced a player who successfully broke into the Indonesian Women’s National Team, an achievement that proves disciplined and sustainable coaching can produce accomplishments up to the national level.

Nevertheless, the academy emphasizes that achievement is not the sole primary goal. What is more important is creating a healthy, educational training environment that can serve as life preparation for the players in the future, both as athletes and as individuals in society.

With a commitment to long-term coaching, SSB HBS Surabaya is optimistic it can continue to contribute to producing a generation of young soccer players who not only achieve on the field but also possess strong character and a positive attitude. The existence of this academy is also hoped to inspire other soccer schools in building a healthy, directed, and sustainable early-age coaching ecosystem.

SSB HBS Surabaya

SSB HBS Surabaya refers to the historic building of the Hogere Burger School (HBS) in Surabaya, Indonesia, a Dutch colonial-era secondary school established in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is notable for its role in providing advanced Western-style education to the local elite during the colonial period. Today, the building is often recognized as a cultural heritage site, representing an important chapter in Indonesia’s educational history.

Indonesian Women’s National Team

The Indonesian Women’s National Team, known as “Timnas Putri,” is the official women’s football team representing Indonesia. Its history is relatively recent, with its first major international appearance at the 1988 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, and it has since worked to develop and compete within Southeast Asia. The team’s growth reflects the broader, ongoing efforts to promote and professionalize women’s football in the country.