Young West Australian Makes BHF Academy History

Ferril Nakaditya Herwanto has become the first ever West Australian selected for the Elite Performance Academy as part of the Bachar Houli Foundation.

The Academy is an intensive 12-month program delivered to the most talented male Islamic footballers across Australia.

The 12 participants selected from the National Senior Boys Academy will engage in a six-day international high-performance camp in New Zealand, designed to accelerate elite football development, cultivate strong leadership qualities, and encourage cultural enrichment.

Throughout the program, participants will gain access to Allied Health Services, as well as an individual development plan overseen by dedicated coaches and staff.

Each development plan includes tailored strength and conditioning programs, specifically designed to best prepare participants for transition into elite AFL pathways.

Herwanto, affectionately known as Naka, is delighted to have been selected.

“It means a lot to me getting another opportunity to work with such great coaches who know more about my faith and also get to play with a talented group of boys,” Naka said.

His footy journey started when he was a young boy.

“I am of Indonesian descent and moved to Perth when I was four,” he said.

“I started knowing and playing footy in Auskick when I was six years old.

“Getting to play with mates made footy enjoyable and I’ve loved it ever since.

His commitments during the season are varied.

“During the year, I usually play with the South Perth Stingrays Junior Football Club and mostly PSA school footy throughout the season,” Naka said.

“On top of that, early this year I played in the WAFL Futures carnival for the East Fremantle Sharks and have also been part of the Fremantle Dockers NGA.

Naka knows the Academy will provide invaluable education on many fronts.

“It involves footy training at a high-performance level, education around nutrition, fitness and recovery, and sessions where we get to reflect on what is means to be young Muslim footy players,” he said.

“My dream is to play in the AFL and become an inspiration for other young Muslim players having the same cultural background as me.”