WA Pair Relish Bachar Houli Academy Camp ExperienceMonday, October 6, 2025 - 9:00 AM - by Mark Readings

Two West Australians have embraced the opportunity to take part in the Bachar Houli Foundation’s National Senior Boys Academy provided a camp in Melbourne during AFL Grand Final Week.

The Academy is a year-long program delivered to 28 of the country’s most promising Islamic male footballers aged 15 to 18-years-old.

The program provides an integrated approach to advanced football development, peak performance, leadership and identity.

Delivered by a team of experienced coaches and mentors, the Academy is a recognised pathway for emerging talent to reach their potential on and off the field.

The Academy's coaching and mentoring panel includes three-time Richmond premiership player Bachar Houli, former St Kilda forward Ahmed Saad and Essendon player Saad El-Hawli.

Former Carlton coach David Teague serves as a mentor to players and coaches.

Rhama Evans and Riaz Mohammad represented WA in what was a dream come true for the boys from Geraldton who both played for Brigades.

“It was such an amazing experience being at this camp,” Riaz said.

“I enjoyed the football part of the camp but also the life lessons off the field learning more about my religion and how I can become a better Muslim.

“We were so grateful to be able to spend a whole week with highly educated and knowledgeable coaches and staff, having ex AFL players and current player who were able to share their journeys to the AFL and spreading there knowledge to us players.”

Riaz reflected on what he took away from the week.

“Through the week I’ve learnt that working hard for what you really want can give you the best chance of succeeding and that could be in football or off the field working hard to become a better person and better Muslim,” he said.

“Having the confidence to ask questions, gathering information especially with the amount of resources at the camp taking every opportunity that’s available.”

With Bachar Houli as an inspiration to Rhama and Riaz, their football journey is starting to take shape.

“I started playing football in Geraldton in Auskick then joined Brigades Football Club playing Under Eights,” Riaz said.

“I continued playing at Brigades until the age of 17 playing league football and also was given the opportunity to play seven games for East Fremantle in the WAFL Colts.

“My football goal is to hopefully be drafted becoming the first Christmas and Cocos Islander to be drafted.

“I want to represent where I come from and being a role model to my family and inspire the younger generation of my family.”

Rhama, originally from Indonesia, spoke in glowing terms about the camp.

“It was unbelievable to be involved in not just the football side of the camp but also the religious aspect,” Evans said.”

“Like Riaz, I would love to get the opportunity to be drafted one day, so this camp was a valuable learning experience in what’s required to reach the top level.”

The program featured a host of football and athletic training sessions, as well as team building, cultural development and mental wellbeing activities.

Players featured in football sessions at both North Melbourne Football Club and Richmond Football Club and participated in the AFL’s mental health program.

The Bachar Houli Foundation National Senior Boys Academy also played two matches throughout the week.

They first took on a Western Jets trial squad, before facing a team from the Eddie Betts Foundation where they competed for the at Betts x Houli Cup.

Bachar Houli Foundation Programs and High Performance Manager Ahmed Saad said this week’s Academy camp would assist players to take the next step in their football journey.

“The National Senior Academy is designed as a stepping stone towards elite AFL Talent Pathways programs,” Saad said.

“The program content aims to not only accelerate each participant’s football development but also provide them with an understanding of the elite habits that are required to be a professional athlete.

“Players also took part in cultural and leadership activities that will further their development as leaders both on the football field and within the community.”

Meanwhile, four WA girls are attending the 2025 BHF National Girls Sports Academy Program in Sydney.

Ifrah Ahmed, Aneeqa Mahmood, Alyaa Diran and Nazeeha Khan are taking part in the event which includes a range of activities, including a tour of the Greater Western Sydney Giants facilities.