Richmond defender Bachar Houli and the AFL have received a grant of $156,000 from the Federal Government to extend the Bachar Houli Cup and Leadership Program for another year.

Houli, an AFL Multicultural Ambassador, currently engages 30 Islamic colleges nationally and more than 5000 participants annually through his programs, playing an integral role in fostering greater cultural understanding and promoting social inclusion.

The 25-year-old said he was thankful to the Federal Government and the AFL for supporting his community programs.

“For me, it’s something I’ve always been passionate about - giving back to my own community,” said Houli.

“To focus on the Islamic schools in Victoria last year, and now a national program is very inspirational and I can’t wait to get going again this year.”

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus QC, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Senator Kate Lundy, publically announced the grant at the ME Bank Centre today.

Mr Dreyfus said Houli’s program embraces Australia’s diverse communities and builds greater social cohesion through sport.

“The Federal Government is proud to support successful projects such as this, which enable communities to challenge ideologies that can lead to mistrust and marginalisation,” said Mr Dreyfus.

Senator Lundy said: “Bachar has been an impressive role model through his educative role at the AFL, inspiring young Muslims to become more involved in sport and the wider community.”

The Bachar Houli Program provides an opportunity for students from Islamic schools to play in an AFL 9s competition, culminating in the Bachar Houli Cup, taking place in August and September this year.

In addition, the program provides mentoring, education and leadership sessions.

Based on its success, the program has recently been shortlisted for the prestigious international Beyond Sport Award.

For more information, visit Bachar Houli’s website.