On his day off from Richmond training, Bachar Houli travelled to Western Sydney to meet about 200 Islamic students.
The kids were happy to miss school, but hopefully learned plenty in the process.
"If we can create good leadership within these young boys it goes a long way to building the community as a much stronger place to be around," said Houli, the first devout Muslim from a Lebanese background to play in the AFL.
Houli once grappled with the decision to attend the national draft camp during Ramadan. Now he says religion makes it easier to play football.
The games at the NSW Bachar Houli Cup were played with makeshift goals set up on soccer pitches.
Although the Tigers star would prefer the participants all took up Aussie Rules, more than that he wants them to pursue their dreams and live positive lives.
“There’s some fantastic talent but what we’re trying to teach these young boys is that it's all about hard work as well. Natural talent doesn't get you there alone.”
GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio was also on hand to offer advice.
He said only 2 percent of AFL players came from multicultural backgrounds, and Western Sydney was one place the league was trying to make strides in this area.
Granville Boys High teacher Andrew Rutherford said Bachar Houli was a perfect role model for Islamic youth.
“A lot of the time us teachers at school notice that boys just lack that self-confidence and belief to actually have a go, and sometimes the perseverance to really work hard towards a goal, and I think he - along with a few others as well - are just a shining light.”
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