Bachar Houli - AFL Multicultural Ambassador

Talented Richmond defender Bachar Houli has taken on a new role as an AFL Multicultural Ambassador. The role involves growing football participation, developing talent pathways, and increasing football education within Melbourne's Islamic community.

Bachar, who is a practicing Muslim of Lebanese descent, is passionate about his community, and the part sport can play among young people, in terms of developing teamwork, leadership and communication skills.

With the support of the AFL and Richmond, Bachar has designed programs that aim to deliver meaningful outcomes throughout the community.

The two key initiatives are the Bachar Houli Academy for talented athletes, and the Islamic Schools Cup, which is a six-week football competition for Islamic schools across Melbourne.
In addition to these projects, Bachar will continue engaging in Islamic festivals and conferences, and will play an important role in building cultural awareness throughout the community.
More information about Bachar's ambassador role will soon be available on his own website bacharhouli.com.au.

The website will provide fans with an opportunity to communicate directly with Bachar via his online blog, and learn about what it's like being a practicing Muslim playing in the AFL competition.

Multicultural Schools Football Program

The Richmond Football Club in conjunction with AFL are committed to fostering  the growth of the game by engaging  schools with high numbers of students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD)  backgrounds in our Multicultural schools football program. This program primarily targets students between the age 8 to 12 years, with the aim of teaching the basics of the Australian Rules football in a safe, fun and encouraging environment over a 6 to 8 week period. Over the course of the season we will have 2000 primary students participate in this exciting program. 

International Student Engagement -Welcome to the AFL

The Richmond Football Club, AFL Victoria and the various University bodies are committed to promoting social cohesion by the use of Australian Football as a vehicle.  International Students from Deakin, RMIT and Victoria University across various campuses participated in a Football information days that comprised of a history and information session followed by a footy clinic and culminating in a Tigers game day experience and match tickets. Throughout the year more than 1000 international students will be engaged in this program.