The BHF launched its inaugural Academy program in 2012, reaching 50 participants with the intention of providing young Muslims with opportunities to participate in organised sport. Now, over ten years later, its programs have reached more than 40,000 participants across Australia.
Participants since 2012
Across academies, cups, school programs and camps, in five states.
Participants through BHF academies
Six years of coaching, leadership and mentoring, from 12 through to 18.
Islamic schools competing in BHF cup
Now played nationally.
National sporting partners
Codes, clubs and associations backing the pathway.
In the sports employment program
Paid placements inside the industry, 40% have moved into full-time work.
Islamic sports college in the world
Established with our partners.
Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar were both drafted in the 2025 AFL National Draft, becoming the seventh and eighth Muslims to reach the top flight of the game.
Out of the Bachar Houli Foundation, they became the second and third academy graduates to be drafted, after Saad El-Hawli was taken by the Bombers with pick No. 13 in the 2024 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Both were in BHF academies from the age of 12 through to 18, both have been Bachar Houli Medallists, and both travelled with the Foundation's Elite Performance Academy in the United Arab Emirates.
ABC Australia followed them through the 2025 season in “Playing on a Prayer” — training, fasting, studying, and waiting for their names to be called.
The Bachar Houli Foundation’s annual Iftar dinners aim to provide insight and industry education into the holy month of Ramadan, which is celebrated by over 1.8 billion Muslims around the world.Across five states, the Bachar Houli Foundation hosts Iftar dinners in conjunction with the AFL, Richmond Football Club, GWS Giants, SANFL, AFLQ and the WAFC, and reaches over 1,000 guests annually.
Partner with us, host a program in your state, or back a young person's pathway.
