Premier Jacinta Allan and Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll announce funding of $6 million for the Aspire Sports Centre which will convert the Coburg Moreland Bowls Club site into a permanent home for the Bachar Houli Foundation and the fast-growing Islamic College of Sport.
The Islamic College of Sport will offer a unique and focused program for Muslim students who are seeking a combination of a high-performance sports environments, a choice of education offering an inclusive and active place where both Muslim and non-Muslim Victorians can connect through sport.
The project will have a new main school campus including 12 new flexible use classrooms, a breakout area for students, staff administrative facilities, separate toilet facilities for staff and students, and dedicated access to sports facilities such as a high-performance gym, two indoor courts and brand new changerooms.
Outside of school hours, the facility will be used by local community and sporting clubs, with a focus on enabling Muslim women and girls’ participation in sport by providing a culturally safe and welcoming space. This will include having dedicated times and spaces for all women’s sport, recreation activities and programs.
“The Bachar Houli Foundation has a wonderful history of bringing young people together through sport. We are thrilled to be investing in the next generation of elite athletes and building a space where Victorians can learn and grow in a world class environment,” Allan said.
“As well as catering to all students, I am particularly excited to learn that the completed facility will be used to increase Muslim women and girls’ participation in sport in a culturally safe space. I look forward to visiting again once the facility has opened,” Carroll said.