Bachar shares AFL life with Academy

This article first appeared on richmondfc.com.au

For 16-year-old Umid Ashna, it was the chance to work towards his AFL dream and meet his idol, Bachar Houli.

“He’s a really nice guy, and what he does for our community and for the Richmond Football Club is really amazing.  I’ve always looked up to him and I think I always will,” he said.

“I enjoyed meeting new people.  I’ll never get that opportunity again, to play and train at Richmond, and use all the facilities.”

The Academy is part of Houli’s role as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador for the Islamic community.

Throughout the year, the Richmond defender works with the AFL to create programs and AFL pathway opportunities for young Islamic players.

More broadly, the program also embraces multicultural diversity in the AFL and builds social cohesion.

The program’s participants had the unique opportunity to train, learn and develop their skills and experiences in an environment that embraces their culture.

16-year-old participant, Ibrahim Najjarine-Podbury, said he learnt more about his religion during the program.

“Bachar taught me about how important it is to pray on time and also nutritional things too,” he said.

Najjarine-Podbury lives in Sydney and was one of 13 interstate participants. He has been playing AFL since Under-10s and has been part of the Sydney Swans Academy for four years.

The Bachar Houli Academy renewed his love for the sport, which had been waning recently.

“I was slowly losing my interest in the sport, but as soon as I started there, I started hearing all the speeches (from industry experts) and I felt like I was in Under-10s and learning about footy for the first time again,” he said.

Najjarine-Podbury returned to Sydney with new passion for the sport of AFL, and pride in his culture and religion.

The Bachar Houli Academy played a game against the Majak Daw Academy at the ME Bank Centre, with AFL Multicultural Ambassadors, Nic Naitanui and Majak Daw helping out in coaching roles.  

The participants also enjoyed another unique experience by attending the Grand Final parade in the city, a special moment that no doubt the aspiring footballers hope to experience firsthand one day.

For more information or photos of the Bachar Houli Academy, visit Bachar’s personal website.