Salisbury FC teams up with local homeless charity
The Whites will be donating bar sale revenue to Alabaré
Salisbury Football Club is teaming up with a homeless charity in the city to support rough sleepers.
During the upcoming 2025/26 season, the Whites will be donating revenue from bar sales to Alabaré, allowing the organisation to continue its work across the city and the south west.
It's part of the vision of new club owner, Ali Alhamad, to back causes that are close to the hearts of the football club's community.
Mr Alhamad said his faith played a role in wanting to create such a partnership.
"The full revenue of the bars will be going to Alabaré, and that’s down to my Muslim faith where we shouldn’t have anything to do with alcohol. It’s something I strongly believe in, a good way to get around this, without affecting local customs, is through awareness and having more non-alcoholic options.
“We chose Alabaré as we then have a joint focus – all we want is to help people who’ve been negatively affected by alcoholism with education and prevention to support those who are down this pathway."
The new chairman said it's also about being more than just a football club.
“We are not simply a football club; it is much more than that. I’m learning what this club means to everyone in and around Salisbury, so by donating the money from the bar to Alabaré, it adds so much value to our presence as a club, but also giving back to the local community in whatever way we can.”
Alabaré CEO Andrew Lord called the new partnership 'exciting' and a "natural fit".
"I’m so excited about this new partnership between Alabaré and Salisbury Football Club," he said. "It’s a completely natural fit, for a football club, it is all about community, getting those fans along. For Alabaré, a charity that’s been going for more than 30 years, we’re all about the local community and how we provide more than just shelter, we heal broken hearts and empower minds. This partnership is an excellent opportunity.
“Some of the vulnerable people we support have in the past misused alcohol, and our innovative programmes are designed to support them to reduce their alcohol usage and live a fulfilling life.
“I hope the charity’s colleagues and clients will come to the football ground, enjoy some games and cheer along Salisbury Football Club!”
The bars will be operated by Sims Hospitality Bars.
Damian Kuczera from the operator said: "“The message that the club wanted to get across with the partnership with Alabaré sounded fantastic to us and really aligns with our values as a business.
“One of our missions is to support responsible drinking, and the opportunity to promote non-alcoholic and soft drinks, along with alcoholic drinks, is a good one.
“We’ve had staff members supported by Alabaré in the past, we think it’s a fantastic charity, and as soon as we heard about it, we were really keen to get involved.”