Why Salisbury are 'bigger than many Premier League teams' in Kuwait
Sixth-tier Salisbury FC have a unique relationship with Kuwait, where they are regarded as "bigger than many Premier League" clubs.
Salisbury FC, a National League South club, are making waves in Kuwait by participating in a five-day football tour that includes playing against Al Qadsia, one of Kuwait's most successful teams. The trip, spearheaded by owner Ali Alhamad, aims to provide the players with a unique cultural experience and financial growth for the club.
The Saudi Arabian-owned club has attracted significant attention from the Kuwaiti people, with the official Arabic account of Salisbury FC boasting over 14,000 followers on Instagram. The players, who have been greeted as Premier League stars, are eager to immerse themselves in Kuwaiti culture, visit local restaurants and schools, and give Q&A sessions for the locals.
Alhamad believes that this trip will help the club grow financially and expand its fanbase, as people in Kuwait are largely unfamiliar with non-league football. Despite the obvious commercial benefits, Alhamad emphasizes that the real goal is to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of English non-league football in the Gulf region.
Written by urgent.news from BBC Sport Football's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
