Just over a year has passed since Ali Alhamad sealed his acquisition of Salisbury FC, a modest non‑league side based in Wiltshire. In the months that followed, the entrepreneur has nurtured a bold ambition: to transport his newly‑owned club to his native Kuwait for a one‑of‑a‑kind mid‑season excursion. That ambition, once a distant dream, is now poised to become reality. From Sunday 27 September through Thursday 1 October, the Whites will abandon the crisp autumn evenings of southern England for the scorching heat of the Arabian Gulf, where daytime temperatures are expected to climb into the high thirties Celsius.
The itinerary culminates in a friendly match against Al Qadsia, the most decorated team in Kuwaiti football history with seventeen Premier League titles, at the 22,000‑seat Mohammed Al‑Hamad Stadium. Al Qadsia’s roster features Bader Al‑Mutawa, a legendary forward who ranks joint‑third for the most international caps ever recorded, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The prospect of Salisbury’s players sharing the pitch with such a celebrated figure adds a layer of prestige to the venture.
"Something different is our middle name," Alhamad quipped to Sky Sports, his enthusiasm unmistakable. "I’m buzzing and have been losing sleep just thinking about it!" He recounted how the project began with open trials held over a four‑day period during the summer. Four hundred and fifty hopefuls from Kuwait turned up, and the club’s coaching staff selected the top three prospects.
The reward: an all‑expenses‑paid ten‑day training stint with Salisbury’s first team back in England. The response was overwhelming, confirming a strong appetite in Kuwait for English football, regardless of the non‑league status of the visiting side. Alhamad believed that the friendly would raise Salisbury’s profile in the Gulf and benefit all parties involved.
He envisioned his squad experiencing a new environment, a different culture, and exotic cuisine while serving as ambassadors for the club. "The team will play in a different setting, against a different opponent, and get a taste of Middle‑Eastern life beyond what they see on the news," he explained.
When Alhamad first floated the idea to the players, he was unsure how they would react. Within thirty minutes, eighteen passport copies were on his desk – every member of the travelling party was eager to go. The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who has been called up for international duty with Gibraltar. The schedule is tightly packed.
After arriving in Kuwait, the players will be greeted by a crowd of supporters decked out in Salisbury colours. Local restaurants have pledged to host the team for complimentary lunches and dinners, turning the visit into a culinary showcase as well as a sporting one. In the mornings, the squad will visit schools and universities, delivering talks about professionalism, dedication, and the shared dream of becoming a footballer – a message that resonates on both sides of the Persian Gulf.
The first day’s itinerary includes a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre, followed by a stroll through the traditional souq where the players will don local attire, complete with head dress, before enjoying a dinner at Al‑Mubarakiya, Kuwait’s historic central market. The following day offers a more relaxed pace, culminating in the official launch of the Salisbury Academy in Kuwait – a cornerstone of Alhamad’s long‑term vision for the club. Training sessions are slated for Tuesday, leading up to the evening friendly at 6:30 pm. After the match, the team will dine, rest, and prepare for the return flight on Thursday morning.
Back in England, they will have a recovery day on Friday before facing Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday. Alhamad’s eyes are not only on the immediate spectacle. He sees the academy as a sustainable growth engine for Salisbury FC.
"If we tried to follow the traditional UK model – chasing sponsors, raising ticket prices, forcing more fans through the gates – it would be a losing battle," he warned. "Instead, by expanding the club’s brand globally, enrolling youth players abroad, and developing talent that could eventually play for Salisbury, we create a more viable, long‑term model." For Alhamad, the trip is also about forging lasting memories for his players and staff.
He stresses the responsibility of club owners to expose their athletes to diverse experiences, arguing that football careers should be enriched by cultural education, not limited to short‑term contracts and isolated play. "We want these experiences to stick, to help them grow as men and professionals," he said. The adventure promises not only a thrilling match against a Kuwaiti powerhouse but also a deep cultural exchange, educational outreach, and a strategic step toward globalizing a small English club.
As the departure date draws near, the excitement in Salisbury’s camp is palpable, and the owner’s vision of turning a modest non‑league side into an internationally recognised brand appears well on its way to fruition.