Just over a year has passed since Ali Alhamad took control of Salisbury FC, and ever since that moment the entrepreneur has been nurturing a bold vision: to transport his non‑league side to his native Kuwait for a special mid‑season experience. That ambition, once a distant fantasy, is now on the brink of becoming reality. From Sunday, 27 September, through to Thursday, 1 October, the Whites will abandon the cool autumn evenings of Wiltshire and head to the Arabian Gulf, where temperatures will climb into the high‑30s Celsius. During that week the team, managed by Brian Dutton, is slated to meet Al Qadsia – the most decorated club in Kuwaiti football history, boasting 17 Premier League titles – at the 22,000‑seat Mohammed Al‑Hamad Stadium.
Al Qadsia’s roster includes Bader Al‑Mutawa, a player who shares the third‑most international caps of all time, trailing only the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The prospect of facing such a storied opponent has added an extra layer of excitement for Alhamad, who told Sky Sports, “Something different is our middle name.
I’m buzzing and have been losing sleep thinking about it.” The journey began with open trials held in the summer, which attracted an astonishing 450 hopefuls from Kuwait. Over four days, the coaching staff selected three standout players, rewarding them with an all‑expenses‑paid trip to Salisbury to train with the first team for ten days. The response was overwhelming and confirmed Alhamad’s belief that there is a massive appetite for English football in Kuwait, regardless of the club’s non‑league status. “People want a story they can relate to,” he explained, noting that the friendly would raise Salisbury’s profile in the Gulf and benefit everyone involved.
When Alhamad first floated the idea, he wasn’t sure how it would be received. Within thirty minutes, however, he had received copies of 18 passports – every player had signed up.
The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who is away on international duty with Gibraltar. The itinerary is packed with football, cultural immersion and community outreach. After arriving, the squad will be greeted by a crowd of supporters in Salisbury colours, cheering them at the airport. Local restaurants have been earmarked to host the players for complimentary lunches and dinners, offering a taste of Kuwaiti cuisine.
In the mornings, the team will visit schools and universities, speaking to students about the professional game and the dedication required to succeed. Alhamad believes that the shared dream of becoming a professional footballer unites young people in both the UK and Kuwait. The first day’s schedule includes a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre, followed by a visit to the traditional souq where the players will don local dress – a flowing gown and headpiece – before enjoying a dinner at Al‑Mubarakiya, the historic central market of Kuwait.
The following day offers a more relaxed pace, culminating in the launch of the new Salisbury Academy, a project Alhamad says is essential for the club’s long‑term sustainability. Training resumes on Tuesday, leading up to the friendly match at 6.30 pm on Wednesday. After the game, the team will dine again before catching a flight on Thursday morning back to England, allowing them a recovery day on Friday before they face Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday.
Alhamad lights up when discussing the academy. He sees it as a brand‑building tool that can generate revenue beyond traditional gate receipts and sponsorships.
“If we try to copy the UK model – raising ticket prices, chasing sponsors – it won’t be sustainable,” he warned. “Instead, we grow the club’s name globally, attract youth subscriptions abroad, and develop players who could eventually represent Salisbury. That’s a more viable path.” Beyond the business angle, Alhamad’s primary goal is to give his players and staff memories that will last a lifetime. He stresses that club owners have a duty to broaden the horizons of their athletes, offering experiences that go beyond the routine of a one‑year contract.
“We want these lessons to shape them as men,” he said. “The world is huge, and these few days will teach them how big it really is.” The Kuwaiti adventure promises to be a milestone for Salisbury FC – a chance to showcase the club on an international stage, forge new relationships, and inspire both players and fans alike.
As the departure date draws near, excitement is palpable, and Alhamad is confident that the Whites will return not only with a story to tell, but with a deeper sense of purpose and a broadened outlook on what football can achieve across borders.