By JARROD POTTER
FROM eagerly watching his role model to being coached by him, Sajid Chaudhery is keen to learn everything he can with his selection in the Bachar Houli Academy.
Chaudhery, 16, from Narre Warren South, was invited into the academy, which places him in the top-30, 14 to 16-year-old players from an Islamic background in the country.
“It’s been a privilege – Bachar’s been my inspiration as he’s a Richmond player and I go for Richmond,” Chaudhery said.
“So as a fellow Muslim it’s an inspiration and a real privilege to be part of the Bachar Houli Academy.”
Chaudhery has played football throughout most of his juniors and is already an ambassador for the sport – helping encourage young players get into their football by coaching Minaret College, his school team, at the recently held Bachar Houli Cup.
“Some people think being a Muslim you’re very limited in some aspects but it’s been the complete opposite,” Chaudhery said.
“Representing your religion and just being an ambassador for the junior parts of the AFL it’s wonderful and terrific to be part of.
“There’s a Bachar Houli Cup – mostly for 14 to 16-year-olds – and I was the coach of that at my school (Minaret College).”
On-field Chaudhery became one of the Narre South Lions most dependable players – named the captain of the Under-16 Division 1 team and capped off last season, his first at the club, with a runner-up best and fairest and finished in the top five at the South East Juniors’ league best and fairest.
While most people would look to an academy experience with an AFL footballer as a chance to just develop their on-field attributes, Chaudhery wants to take away from the week an ability to better all of his facets.
“I just want to improve my character and become a better person overall because becoming a better person is the first step towards becoming a better AFL player,” Chaudhery said.
“Skill acquisition and all that type of stuff, I’m not too fussy about, just looking forward to the whole experience as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
While he’ll take a break from football to focus on his VCE studies, Chaudhery is committed to getting back out on the park in the senior ranks and continuing to inspire young Muslim footballers to play the great Australian sport.
“If they’re line ball on playing footy I definitely really recommend them to play as it’s a great sport,” Chaudhery said.
“I was line ball a couple of years ago, I didn’t know whether to play or not… or just give it up – because I wasn’t that good, I was pretty average or below average to be honest – but I was determined and I really wanted to represent my religion, represent my family and represent everything so I came out of it good.
“If you’re line ball, definitely have a shot – there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.”
The Bachar Houli Academy involves a five-day training camp which runs from Monday to Friday next week at Punt Road Oval, Richmond.
