It has been just over a year since entrepreneur Ali Alhamad took control of Salisbury FC, and ever since that milestone he has been nurturing a bold vision: to transport his non‑league side to his native Kuwait for a special mid‑season experience. The plan, which once seemed almost fantastical, is now set to become reality. From Sunday 27 September through Thursday 1 October, the Whites will abandon the cool, autumn evenings of Wiltshire and head for the scorching heat of the Middle East, where daytime temperatures are expected to climb into the high‑30s Celsius.
While there, Brian Dutton’s squad will line up against Al Qadsia – a club that has hoisted the Kuwaiti Premier League trophy 17 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 likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The prospect of facing such a decorated opponent adds an extra layer of excitement for the Salisbury contingent. "Doing something different is practically our middle name," Alhamad quipped in an interview with Sky Sports, his enthusiasm palpable. "I’m buzzing and have been losing sleep just thinking about it!" He explained that the first step toward making the trip possible was a series of open trials held over the summer.
More than 450 hopefuls turned up, and after four days the coaching staff selected three standout players. Their reward?
An all‑expenses‑paid ten‑day training stint with Salisbury’s first team back in England. "The trials were a massive success and made me realise there is a huge appetite for English football in Kuwait," Alhamad said. "Being a non‑league side doesn’t matter – the quality of the game is high and people love a relatable story." Alhamad believes the friendly match will raise Salisbury’s profile across Kuwait and benefit everyone involved.
He envisions his players experiencing a completely new environment – a different country, a different opponent, new cuisine, and a warm welcome that will let them see the Middle East beyond the headlines. When he first floated the idea, Alhamad wasn’t sure how his squad would react. Within thirty minutes, however, he received 18 copies of players’ passports, indicating that every member of the traveling party was on board. The only absentee will be Jaiden Bartholo, who has been summoned for international duty with Gibraltar.
The countdown to departure is now measured in days, and Alhamad promises that the journey will be unforgettable. "They’ll be shocked to discover they’re being treated like stars. Everyone will know their names," he asserted.
He added that the club’s Arabic‑language social media channels are already buzzing with activity, and that as soon as the team steps off the plane, they will be greeted by a crowd decked out in Salisbury colours, cheering them on. Local hospitality will be top‑notch.
"Kuwaiti restaurants are eager to host our players – lunches and dinners will be on the house," Alhamad said. In addition to football, the itinerary includes community outreach. In the mornings, the squad will visit schools and universities, speaking to students about the demands of professional sport and the shared dream of becoming a footballer, whether in the UK or Kuwait.
After the first day’s lunch, the group will enjoy a private VIP tour of the Scientific Centre, followed by a visit to the bustling souq where they will don traditional attire, complete with head dress, before dining at Al‑Mubarakiya, the historic central market of Kuwait. The following day offers a more relaxed schedule, culminating in the inauguration of the newly‑established Salisbury Academy.
Training sessions are slated for Tuesday, leading up to the friendly match at 6.30 pm. After the game, the team will have dinner, rest, and then fly back on Thursday morning.
They will have a recovery day on Friday before facing Dulwich Hamlet in a Saturday fixture back in England. Alhamad’s eyes light up when he talks about the academy. He sees it as a cornerstone of a sustainable model for the club.
"If we tried to follow the traditional UK route – chasing sponsorships, raising ticket prices, pushing for higher gate receipts – we’d be fighting a losing battle. It simply isn’t sustainable," he explained.
"Instead, we’re building a global brand, attracting youth subscriptions from abroad, and developing players who could one day wear the Salisbury shirt. That’s the future we’re aiming for." For now, his primary goal is to give his players and staff memories that will last a lifetime.
"Club owners have a responsibility to expose their players to varied experiences. It’s not just a one‑year contract where you play and then move on. We want this adventure to leave a lasting imprint," he said.
"These few days will teach them how vast the world is and shape them as individuals. It’s a huge experience and I’m thrilled to make it happen." The trip promises to be a landmark moment for Salisbury FC, blending sport, culture, and personal development in a way few non‑league clubs have ever attempted. It underscores Alhamad’s belief that football can bridge continents, create lasting bonds, and lay the foundations for a club that thrives both on and off the pitch.