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 rather extraordinary ambition: to whisk his non‑league side away to his native Kuwait for a unique footballing experience. The vision, which once seemed almost fantastical, is now on the brink of becoming reality. From Sunday, 27 September, through Thursday, 1 October, the Whites will trade the cool, autumn evenings of Wiltshire for the scorching heat of the Middle East, where daytime temperatures are expected to climb into the high thirties Celsius. During that five‑day window the team, coached by Brian Dutton, will line up against Al Qadsia – the record‑holding, 17‑time champions of the Kuwaiti Premier League – 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 in football history, trailing only the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The prospect of facing such a distinguished opponent adds an extra layer of excitement for the Salisbury contingent. "Doing something different is practically in our DNA," Alhamad quipped during a recent interview with Sky Sports, his enthusiasm palpable.
"I’m buzzing – I’ve had sleepless nights just picturing it all coming together." The first concrete step toward the Kuwaiti adventure came in the form of open trials held over the summer. More than 450 hopefuls from Kuwait turned up, eager for a chance to showcase their talent. Over four days, the club’s manager and coaching staff selected the three most promising prospects, rewarding them with an all‑expenses‑paid ten‑day training stint at Salisbury’s facilities. The response was overwhelming and confirmed Alhamad’s hunch that there is a genuine appetite for English football across the Gulf.
"The quality of the game transcends league status," he explained. "People in Kuwait want a story they can connect with, and a non‑league club offers an authentic, underdog narrative that resonates. The friendly will raise Salisbury’s profile in the region and benefit everyone involved.
Our players will experience a new culture, new cuisine, and a different footballing environment – it’s more than just a match, it’s an immersion." When Alhamad first floated the idea to the squad, he wasn’t sure how it would be received. Within thirty minutes, however, he had received passport copies from 18 players, each eager to embark on the journey.
The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who has been summoned for international duty with Gibraltar. In the days leading up to departure, Alhamad paints a vivid picture of what awaits the team. "They’ll feel like celebrities the moment they step off the plane – fans in Salisbury shirts will be waiting, chanting and cheering.
The local restaurants are eager to host them, offering complimentary meals as a sign of hospitality." Beyond the footballing side, the itinerary includes community outreach and cultural experiences. Mornings will see the players visiting schools and universities, speaking to students about the rigors of professional sport and the dedication required to succeed. "Both in the UK and Kuwait we share the same dream of becoming a professional footballer," Alhamad noted, emphasizing the universal nature of the ambition. After the first day’s lunch, the squad will enjoy a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre, followed by a visit to the traditional souq where they will don local attire – a flowing gown and headpiece – before dining at Al‑Mubarakiya, the historic central market of Kuwait.
The following day will be more relaxed, featuring a leisurely lunch and the official launch of the Salisbury Academy in the region. Training sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, culminating in the friendly match at 6:30 p.m.
on Wednesday. After the game, the team will dine locally, rest, and then fly back on Thursday morning, allowing them to recover in time for a domestic fixture against Dulwich Hamlet on Saturday. Alhamad’s excitement about the academy initiative is evident. He sees it as a cornerstone of a sustainable business model for the club.
"If we tried to follow the traditional UK route – chasing sponsorships, inflating ticket prices, and relying solely on gate receipts – we’d be fighting a losing battle. Instead, by expanding the brand globally and establishing youth subscriptions abroad, we can create a pipeline of talent that could eventually feed into the first team. That’s a more viable, long‑term strategy." For now, his primary goal is to gift his players and staff memories that will endure a lifetime. "Club owners have a responsibility to broaden their players’ horizons.
It’s not just a one‑year contract where they play and then move on. We want this experience to stay with them, to shape them as individuals and as footballers. The world is far larger than they might imagine, and these few days will teach them lessons that go beyond the pitch." Alhamad concludes with a note of optimism, confident that the trip will leave an indelible mark on everyone involved.
"The highlights will be everywhere – on our Arabic social channels, in the local press, and in the stories the players will tell for years to come. It’s a huge experience, and I’m thrilled to make it happen for Salisbury FC."