Just over a year ago, businessman Ali Alhamad took control of Salisbury FC, a modest non‑league side based in Wiltshire. Since that moment, he has harboured a bold ambition: to transport his newly‑acquired club to his native Kuwait for a distinctive overseas experience.
The plan, once a far‑fetched fantasy, is now on the brink of becoming reality. From Sunday, 27 September, until Thursday, 1 October, the Whites will abandon the crisp autumn evenings of England for the scorching heat of the Arabian Gulf, where temperatures are expected to climb into the high thirties Celsius. During that five‑day window, manager Brian Dutton’s squad will face Al Qadsia, the most decorated team in Kuwaiti football history, boasting seventeen league titles and a home ground that seats 22,000 spectators – the Mohammed Al‑Hamad Stadium. Al Qadsia’s roster includes Bader Al‑Mutawa, a veteran forward who ranks joint‑third on the list of most‑capped international players worldwide, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The prospect of confronting 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 a series of open trials held in Kuwait during the summer. Over 450 hopefuls turned up, and after a rigorous four‑day selection process involving the manager and coaching staff, the top three prospects were awarded an all‑expenses‑paid ten‑day training stint with Salisbury’s first team back in England.
The trials were a resounding success, confirming Alhamad’s belief that there is a massive appetite for English football in Kuwait, regardless of the level at which it is played. “Being in non‑league is irrelevant because the quality is high and people want a story they can relate to,” he explained. When Alhamad first floated the idea of a friendly in Kuwait, he was uncertain how his players would react.
Within thirty minutes, however, he received 18 passport copies – every member of the squad had signed up. The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who has been called up for international duty with Gibraltar. The itinerary is packed with cultural immersion and community outreach. Upon arrival, the players will be greeted by a crowd of supporters clad in Salisbury colours, a welcome that Alhamad expects will make the team feel like celebrities.
Local restaurants have pledged to host the squad for complimentary lunches and dinners, offering a taste of Kuwaiti cuisine. In the mornings, the players will visit schools and universities, speaking to students about the dedication required to become a professional footballer and the shared dream that unites young athletes in both the UK and Kuwait. After the first day’s lunch, a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre is scheduled, followed by a visit to the bustling Al‑Mubarakiya souq where the team will don traditional attire and enjoy a dinner amidst the market’s historic atmosphere. Day two will be more relaxed, allowing the squad to unwind before the official launch of the Salisbury Academy in Kuwait.
The academy, a cornerstone of Alhamad’s long‑term vision, aims to nurture local talent and create a pipeline of players who could one day don the Salisbury shirt. Alhamad emphasized that this global branding strategy is intended to make the club financially sustainable, arguing that relying solely on traditional revenue streams such as gate receipts and domestic sponsorships would be insufficient for a small non‑league outfit. Training resumes on Tuesday, culminating in the friendly match against Al Qadsia at 6:30 pm.
After the game, the team will enjoy a celebratory dinner before heading back to the airport on Thursday morning. They will return to England in time to recover for a league fixture against Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday. Alhamad is particularly enthusiastic about the academy’s potential.
He explained, “If we try to follow the conventional UK model—raising ticket prices, chasing local sponsors—we’ll be fighting a losing battle. By building an international brand, attracting youth subscriptions abroad, and developing players who could eventually play for Salisbury, we create a more resilient and sustainable business model.” Beyond the financial considerations, Alhamad is driven by a desire to provide his players and staff with unforgettable memories. He believes that exposing young athletes to different cultures and environments enriches their personal development. “We have a responsibility as club owners to broaden our players’ horizons,” he said.
“It’s not just about a one‑year contract and moving on. These experiences shape them as men, teaching them how vast the world is and how small lessons can have a lasting impact.” In summary, the upcoming Kuwaiti adventure represents a pioneering venture for a non‑league English club, blending competitive football, cultural exchange, and strategic growth.
It showcases how innovative ownership can turn a modest team into a global ambassador, while offering its members a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience that will be remembered for years to come. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million!
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