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.
Our programs are strongly supported by our education framework which encompasses the four pillars of mental peak performance, leadership, identity, and physical development; all of which have helped shape our participants into better individuals and community leaders.
The Foundation is proud of how our programs have flourished and positively impacted the lives of many young people. We’re passionate about the impactful work, and together with the support of our partners, we are ensuring that the next generation of young Muslims can reach their full potential.
Bachar Houli and the Richmond Football Club start a program to connect young Muslim Australians to sport, education and each other.
2012
A handful of Islamic schools play the first carnival. It becomes the Foundation’s front door — today more than 40 schools compete.
2012
The BHF Academy formalises the 12–18 pathway: elite coaching, leadership curriculum, and a squad that stays together for six years.
2015
New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia join Victoria — five states running the same programs.
2018
The Foundation takes its top athletes overseas for an international camp — the program’s first step beyond Australia.
2018
Hosted across five states at Australia's most iconic venues. Designed to celebrate, highlight and connect harmony.
2019
Paid placements inside clubs and sporting bodies. Seventy participants later, 40% have moved into full-time work in the industry.
2022
Designed to empower young people through sport, ICS was established to offer an alternative pathway to learning.
2023
Saad El-Hawli is taken by the Bombers with pick No. 13 in the AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft — the first from the academy to make it.
2024
Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar are drafted in the AFL National Draft, and the two feature in ABC's 'Playing on a Prayer.'
2025
