Salisbury FC owner Ali Alhamad explores Kuwaiti player development in non-league

Salisbury FC owner Ali Alhamad reports that a recent trial for three Kuwaiti players at the sixth-tier club was a success. The event follows a recruitment process in Kuwait involving 400 participants intended to provide players with exposure to English football. While the three selected triallists trained with the National League South side for nine days, Alhamad noted that work permit restrictions prevented them from signing permanent contracts. The ownership group, led by Alhamad and business partner Mohammad Alkandari, has also acquired the 11th-tier club Andover Town. Alhamad stated that the investment in these English non-league teams is driven by a personal interest in the sport rather than financial gain. The ownership is now working to establish community-focused operations at both clubs similar to their model at Salisbury FC, while utilizing the partnerships to secure sponsorship deals from the Gulf region.

• 3:17 PMYahoo Sports — A new Kuwaiti influence in non-league football