The Bachar Houli Foundation’s National Senior Boys Academy has converged in Melbourne for a week-long football camp 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.

This year’s playing squad features highly-touted Calder Cannons duo Adam Sweid and Hussien El Achkar, who both represented Victoria Metro at the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships U18 Boys.

Sweid and El Achkar are also members of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy, making them eligible to join the Bachar Houli Academy’s first-ever draftee, Saad El Hawli, at the Bombers.

Blake Justice, who has been selected to play in the Marsh AFL National Futures Match prior to the Toyota AFL Grand Final on Saturday, also features in the squad.

This week’s program features a host of football and athletic training sessions, as well as team building, cultural development and mental wellbeing activities.

Players will feature in football sessions at both North Melbourne Football Club and Richmond Football Club and will take part in the AFL’s mental health program, Ahead of the Game.

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

They first took on a Western Jets trial squad at Highgate Recreation Reserve on Tuesday ahead of a clash with the Eddie Betts Foundation at Bundoora’s La Trobe University on Friday, where they will compete for the 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 toward 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 will also take part in cultural and leadership activities that will further their development as leaders both on the football field and within the community.”

2025 BACHAR HOULI FOUNDATION NATIONAL SENIOR BOYS ACADEMY SQUAD

Head coach: Mohammed Kaakour
Assistant coaches: Damien Cavka, Munir El Hawli, Zammy Muhtari
Development coach: Saad El Hawli
High performance coach: Michael Chiovitti
Head trainer: Adam Kaddour

BACHAR HOULI ACADEMY vs EDDIE BETTS FOUNDATION
Friday, September 26
3:00pm
La Trobe University, Bundoora