Bachar Houli Foundation is stepping up its efforts to create a pathway for the first practicing Muslim to coach in the AFL.
The Foundation has launched the inaugural Bachar Houli Coaching Pathways Program, led by Premiership-winning coach Mark Williams.
Williams will serve as a mentor to aspiring Islamic coaches, with his early sessions already being well attended by up-and-coming coaches.
Williams reflected on his own ancestral heritage when considering his passion for inclusivity and diversity in sport.
“It goes back to my background, my great-grandmother is a Jamaican slave,” Williams said.
“When I see opportunities, I just want to give everyone the confidence to know that they can get to where they want to.
“Having met Bachar [Houli] and seen where he’s come from and what he’s done to lead the way, there’s no reason why we can’t get more Muslim coaches through our programs and all the way to the top.
“Coaches have to reflect what we see in society and there are so many Muslims that would benefit from seeing other Muslim coaches coming through.
“If we can be supportive and open to anyone and everyone to reach the highest level of any jobs that are on offer, that’s the way footy should be.”
The programs launch follows the recent appointment of Mohammed Kaakour as the first designated coach of the Foundation’s Junior and Senior Boys Academies.
Kaakour who is the senior coach of Westmeadows in EDFL Division 1, has previously worked with the Foundation’s Academies on a voluntary basis.
The new role will see Kaakour formally join the Foundation’s ranks and solidify his position as a key figure in developing the young talent that comes through the Bachar Houli Academies.
Kaakour who has recently attended Richmond AFL training sessions and observed the Club’s coaches, including triple premiership winning head coach Damien Hardwick, said it was an honour to be appointed as the Academies Coach.
“There are so many coaches out there, so to be chosen is a privilege,” he said.
“Me as a person who lives, breathes and loves football, it is a great opportunity to give back to the community by simply passing on a little bit of knowledge I’ve been able to aquire through my playing and coaching days.
“For me firstly, working with the Bachar Houli Foundation gives me the opportunity to continue to get closer to Allah SWT through the program’s work around identity and religion.
“Secondly, it’s given me the opportunity to work around some really good people who I know on a personal basis like Ali Fahour and Ahmed Saad.
“The opportunity to work alongside someone like Bachar Houli who a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to meet, let alone work with, is one that I am very grateful for.
“I’m about teaching and developing kids. Seeing them grow, not only as good footballers but into really good people in everyday life, this is what this program provides and continues to teach.
“I feel very privileged to be a part of it.”
