Bachar Houli Foundation Embraces Auskick ExperienceWednesday, June 14, 2023 - 3:11 PM

In a first for the Bachar Houli Foundation in WA, children with multicultural backgrounds have been given the opportunity to take part in NAB AFL Auskick at an AFL match at Optus Stadium.

Two dozen boys and girls aged between 5 and 8 years of age enjoyed the rare experience of playing in front of more than 40,000 fans at half time during Saturday’s match between the Fremantle Dockers and Richmond.

The children, who live north and south of the river, came from a mix of nationalities including Australia, Lebanon, Egypt, Malaysia, South Africa, Indonesia, Somalia, Bangladesh, and the Muslim community.

The response from the children who were part of NAB AFL Auskick confirmed the success of the initiative.

“I felt like I was a famous footy player, and it was the best thing ever,” said 8-year-old Talal Houran.

And this, from another participant, Ramsey.

“Best day of my life”.

Parents of the children were also thrilled at being included.

“It was an amazing experience that has ignited the love for footy in all three of my daughters,” said Essa Hourani.

“For me personally it was an absolute pleasure seeing the kids having so much fun.

“It was an amazing experience to be involved in something so special and something all those kids will probably never forget,” Moosa Hourani enthused.  

“Standing in the middle of Optus Stadium, looking into the crowd, mesmerised by over 45,000 surrounding this ground I see a little girl no older than 6 just staring into the crowd in awe, I asked her if she was ok to which she replied, “are they all here to watch me?”

“I haven’t laughed that hard in years,” said parent volunteer Shady Fouda.

Michelle Sewell, Auskick Specialist at the WAFC, declared the Foundation’s participation as another example of football’s inclusivity.

“NAB AFL Auskick is our premiere grassroots program for all kids," Sewell said.

“The weekend’s event is a prime example of how great this program is.

We had kids from many different backgrounds, and many different skill sets playing together as one team."