The Bachar Houli Academies’ first designated coach Mohammed Kaakour has joined Richmond Football Club’s VFL side as an assistant and line coach for 2023.

After volunteering with the Bachar Houli Foundation for many years, Kaakour was formally appointed as the BH Academies Coach earlier this year, a role that he will continue in moving forward.

Kaakour will take up a position with the VFL side after impressing in a 10-week-spell he spent at Richmond this past season as part of the Bachar Houli Coaching Pathways Program.

“The Program has helped me a lot. It’s allowed me to not only teach and develop young men but also develop myself and others around me,” Kaakour said.

“The program has definitely helped me get to the next level as it provided me with the opportunity to work within an AFL program for 10 weeks at Richmond, which I’m so grateful for.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to ply my trade at the VFL level, I’m looking forward to meeting the group and getting stuck into it.

“My focus will be around developing players and working within a team of coaches and staff continuing to build a really good culture, and striving for excellence in a professional organisation.

“My ambition is to get to the elite level. I’ve got a passion for football and developing and teaching others.

Kaakour comes into his new role with nine years of experience as a coach, most recently coaching Westmeadows to a finals finish in 2022.

“My role at Westmeadows does change,” Kaakour said.

“The title I hold now is Director of Coaching. I will be working specifically with the senior men’s and senior women’s coaching staff and overseeing both football programs. I will also assist at the committee level when needed.”