For Bachar Houli OAM, the vision for the Aspire Sports Centre has been shaped by years of working within the community, underpinned by his family, his journey through elite sport and his longstanding connection with young people at the grassroots level.
“Everything I’ve ever achieved started with my parents. They migrated to Australia and worked so hard to overcome every obstacle so I could be given an opportunity,” Houli said.
Growing up, sport became a place where Bachar found belonging and purpose. That experience followed him throughout his AFL career, where he represented his community and became a role model to young Muslims across Australia.
“Playing in the AFL, I wanted to represent my community and show young Muslims that succeeding at the highest level is a dream they can reach.”
That purpose helped drive the establishment of the Bachar Houli Foundation in 2012 and the Islamic College of Sport in 2023. Through both organisations, Bachar has witnessed young people develop not only as athletes, but as leaders, mentors and role models within their communities.
Now, the Aspire Sports Centre represents the next defining step in that journey.
“The Aspire Sports Centre will allow us to support more young people than ever before, by removing the barriers that have limited access for so long.”
The new high-performance facility will bring the Bachar Houli Foundation, the NEW Aspire College of Sport and broader community together under one roof, creating an environment where young people can access education, sport, development and meaningful pathways.
“It takes a village to raise a child. Together, we’re building that village and laying the right pathways for future generations,” he said.
The Aspire Sports Centre will build on more than a decade of work to create opportunities for young people to thrive.
