It has been a little more than twelve months since Ali Alhamad took control of Salisbury FC, a modest non‑league side based in Wiltshire. Throughout that period the entrepreneur has nurtured a bold ambition: to transport his English club to his native Kuwait for a one‑off mid‑season experience. The notion, while unconventional, is finally moving from concept to reality. From Sunday 27 September through Thursday 1 October, the Whites will abandon the crisp autumn evenings of the English countryside and head to the Gulf, where daytime temperatures will soar into the high thirties Celsius.
During that five‑day window the team, managed by Brian Dutton, will line up against Al Qadsia – a powerhouse that has lifted the Kuwaiti Premier League trophy seventeen times – at the 22,000‑seat Mohammed Al‑Hamad Stadium. Al Qadsia’s roster includes Bader Al‑Mutawa, a player who ranks joint‑third on the all‑time list for international caps, trailing only the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The prospect of Salisbury’s players sharing the pitch with such a distinguished figure adds an extra layer of allure to the trip. "Doing something different is practically our middle name," Alhamad quipped in a recent interview with Sky Sports, his enthusiasm unmistakable.
"I’m buzzing – I’ve been losing sleep just picturing it all coming together." The journey began with an open‑trial initiative held over the summer in Kuwait. The club advertised the opportunity and attracted a staggering 450 hopefuls.
Over four days, the manager and his coaching staff evaluated the participants, ultimately selecting three standout prospects. The prize for those three was an all‑expenses‑paid ten‑day training stint with Salisbury’s first team back in England. The trial was deemed a resounding success, confirming Alhamad’s suspicion that there is a substantial appetite for English football in Kuwait, regardless of the level at which it is played. "The quality of the game is high and people crave a story they can relate to," Alhamad explained.
"Even though we are a non‑league side, that doesn’t matter – the narrative resonates. I realised the friendly would raise Salisbury’s profile in Kuwait and benefit everyone involved. The players will experience a new environment, a new culture, new cuisine, and they will be our guests, giving them a tangible taste of the Middle East rather than just seeing it on television." When Alhamad first floated the idea to the squad, he was uncertain how his players would react. That uncertainty vanished within thirty minutes: eighteen passport copies were handed over, indicating that every member of the traveling party was eager to go.
The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who has been summoned for international duty with Gibraltar. The itinerary is packed with both football and cultural immersion. On the first morning, after a brief welcome ceremony, the team will be escorted to a selection of Kuwait’s finest restaurants where meals will be provided free of charge – a gesture meant to showcase local hospitality. Later, the players will visit schools and universities, delivering talks about the professional game, the discipline required, and the shared dream of becoming a footballer, whether in the UK or Kuwait.
Afternoons will feature a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre, followed by a stroll through the bustling souq. There, the squad will don traditional Kuwaiti attire, complete with headgear, before enjoying dinner at Al‑Mubarakiya, the historic central market that epitomises the country’s culinary heritage. The second day will be more relaxed, allowing the players to unwind, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and attend the official launch of the newly established Salisbury Academy in Kuwait.
This academy is a cornerstone of Alhamad’s long‑term vision: to create a sustainable model for the club by cultivating talent abroad, securing international subscriptions, and eventually integrating promising youngsters into the first‑team setup. Training sessions will resume on Tuesday, culminating in the friendly match against Al Qadsia at 6:30 pm. After the game, the squad will share a dinner with local dignitaries before returning to the hotel to rest ahead of their flight home on Thursday morning. Back in England, the team will have a recovery day on Friday before facing Dulwich Hamlet in a league fixture on Saturday.
Alhamad’s eyes light up when he discusses the academy project. He believes that building a global brand is essential for the club’s financial health. "If we tried to mimic the traditional UK approach – chasing sponsorships, raising ticket prices, forcing more fans through the gates – we would be fighting a losing battle.
Those methods aren’t sustainable for a club of our size. By expanding our reach internationally, creating youth programmes abroad, and developing players who could eventually wear the Salisbury shirt, we are laying the foundations for a more resilient future," he said. Beyond the strategic benefits, Alhamad is keen on providing his players and staff with memories that will endure a lifetime. "Club owners have a duty to expose their players to varied experiences.
It’s not just about signing a one‑year contract, playing a season, and moving on. We want this trip to leave a lasting imprint, to broaden their horizons, and to teach them how vast the world truly is. Small lessons learned over a few days can shape them into better men and better professionals. I’m thrilled to make this happen for them," he added.
In summary, Salisbury FC’s Kuwait adventure represents a fusion of sport, culture, and forward‑thinking club development. It offers the players a rare chance to test themselves against a regional heavyweight, to engage with a new fan base, and to partake in a cultural exchange that could influence the club’s trajectory for years to come. The excitement is palpable on both sides of the Arabian Gulf, and as the departure date draws nearer, the anticipation among players, staff, and supporters continues to build.
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