BRADFORD College are feeling proud as punch after two students were named in England Boxing’s first ever male and female youth squad.

Jade Ashmore and Harris Akbar have been picked among the most talented 16 to 18-year-olds as part of the England Boxing Talent Plan.

They will be involved in the squad for a year and will be provided with a structured programme of development including training camps under high-quality coaches and international competitions.

Every boxer will be reassessed after 12 months and those picked will form the next England Youth squad.

Ashmore and Akbar developed their talent at the Bradford Police & College Boxing Academy with coaches Mally MacIver and Mick Gannon.

Paul Porter, Bradford’s boxing development officer, said: “It’s always special to see our boxers doing well.

“To see such talented young people as Jade and Harris receive this sort of recognition makes all the work that Mally and Mick do with them worthwhile.

“Our conveyor belt of champions and international boxers keeps on going and long may that continue.

“If they keep applying themselves as they have done so far, then maybe they can join the likes of Mo Ali, Jack Bateson and Olly Simpson on the GB boxing squad eventually.”