Salisbury FC players and staff embraced their fans after a 2-0 win against Folkestone Invicta at The Ray Mac Stadium, but what happened next wasn’t normal. The National League South fans started chanting, “Kuwait away ole, ole,” and within 24 hours, the team was on their way to the Middle East for a five-day trip. Player Luke Russe called it a “unique opportunity,” something he’d never experienced at this level, and said the players were “so thankful” for the trip.
This Is No Ordinary Away Game
This journey isn’t just a friendly. Salisbury is set to face Al Qadsia on Wednesday, one of Kuwait’s most successful teams with over 50 trophies to their name. After that match, they’ll turn right back around, returning on Thursday to prepare for Saturday’s FA Cup third qualifying round match against Dulwich Hamlet. This whole incredible endeavor is part of the club’s ongoing connection with Kuwait, all thanks to owner Ali Alhamad, who bought the club in 2025. The club is gunning for major commercial growth, and for the players, it’s a chance to soak in a totally new football environment and culture. Imagine playing in the Mohammad Al-Hamad Stadium, which holds 22,000 fans, over five times the capacity of Salisbury’s own Ray Mac! Russe totally gets it, saying winning is cool, but the experience for the young squad and the club’s overall bond is what really matters.
Kuwait’s Obsession With Salisbury FC Is Wild
The interest from Kuwait is no joke. Four of Salisbury’s sponsors are from Kuwait, including the front-of-shirt sponsor for a company that launched the country’s first Sharia-compliant digital bank, and their training kit sports a popular Acai company that’s exclusively sold in Kuwait. Want more proof? The official Arabic Instagram account for Salisbury FC has over 14,000 followers, just a little less than their English profile. When the squad touched down in Kuwait, a small group of fans greeted them like royalty, and school kids treated them like bonafide Premier League players. Owner Ali Alhamad isn’t shy about it, stating, “I would even go further than saying that Salisbury in Kuwait is bigger than many of the Premier League teams in the UK.” He insists he’s “not exaggerating” and emphasizes how Salisbury is “contributing a lot to the local community here in Kuwait and to the children and the future of the football in Kuwait.” All but one player, Jaiden Bartolo, showed up for the trip, which frankly shocked Alhamad with their eagerness.
After this wild ride, Salisbury returns to face Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup. This journey might just be the spark that rockets this club to a whole new level, both on and off the pitch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Leave a Reply