Bachar Houli Foundation Senior Boys Academy participants Mohammed Yassine (right) and Ali Saad (left) have been given the opportunity to train with Richmond Football Club’s VFL side.

The players were selected based on their impressive performances in the recent Unity Cup at Punt Road, as well as the Senior Boys Academy held over the 27th and 28th of November.

BHF Founder and three-time AFL Premiership player Bachar Houli is extremely proud of the participants who have come through the ranks in the academies.

“We are really excited about the pathways we have developed with the Richmond FC VFL program in providing an elite environment and solid program for our academy players to be engaged in,” Houli said.

“Ali and Mohamed will certainly grow under Steve Morris (Richmond VFL Head Coach) and I’m looking forward to monitoring their progress throughout pre-season.”

Speaking after the training session, Ali Saad expressed his excitement at the opportunity to train in such a high-level environment.

“To get an opportunity like this is amazing! I really enjoyed the first session and I’m pumped for further sessions,” Saad said.

“I’m obviously very proud of myself and grateful for the opportunity that’s been given to me and for the Bachar Houli Foundation mentors who have helped me.

“It’s especially exciting doing it with another brother from the Academy.

“On another note, I’m really looking to take my game to the next level and earn a spot on the list – the hard work starts now.”

Mohammed Yassine also spoke after training about the opportunity, citing it as an “unbelievable experience.”

“The group of boys at Richmond and the coaching staff are very encouraging and welcoming and I can’t wait to keep training with them,” Yassine said.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity to be able to train at Richmond.”

BHF Talent Programs Manager Ahmed Saad, who has been coaching and mentoring the players over the last few years, was full of praise for their growth.

“Both players have improved over the last couple of years, especially Mohammed, he has been our most improved player across the last two years,” Saad said.

“I couldn’t be happier for them to get an opportunity to train with a VFL club like Richmond and I hope they work hard, earn the respect of their teammates and coaches, and earn themselves a spot on the team.”

Both Ali Saad and Mohammed Yassine are among the 12 players who have been selected to attend the BHF Elite Performance Camp in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month.