The British Amateur Boxing Association (BABA) has announced that Isaac McLeod, Pat McCormack, Jack Bateson and Robbie McKechnie are the latest additions to the GB Boxing development squad.

The quartet will receive funding and train with the GB team at its headquarters, the English Institute of Sport (EIS) Sheffield, under Performance Director, Rob McCracken and his coaching and support team.

Sixteen year-old Isaac McLeod, from Sunderland, said: “It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I couldn’t wait to come down to Sheffield and settle in with the other lads. My first day couldn’t have gone better. I was nervous when I first walked in but the support I’ve been given has been amazing and I’m very excited.”

McLeod, who boxes at 64kg was crowned European Junior Champion in 2011. He added: “There are a couple of boys on the squad whose places I’d like to be in right now. The ones who have qualified for the London Olympic Games must be something really special, so I’ll be looking to follow in their footsteps.”

McLeod’s comments were echoed by Pat McCormack, from nearby Birtley, in Gateshead.  He said: “I couldn’t wait to get started training with the squad. I’ve got such admiration for the boxers on the Podium squad, so the work begins for me now. My aim is to get to that level.”

McCormack (52kg) completed an impressive international double in 2011, being crowned world junior champion and claiming European gold. He was also nominated for the BBC’s Young Sports Personality of the Year Award 2011.

The chance to compete in the Olympics in four years is something all four new additions are relishing.

“It’s a great feeling to be on the squad. I was a little nervous and excited to start with, but it felt so good walking into the GB gym,” said 17-year-old, Jack Bateson (49kg), from Guiseley, Leeds. “I want to work my way up to the Podium squad so I can compete alongside the world class boxers that I admire.”

Seventeen-year-old Robbie McKechnie (60kg), from North Ayrshire, Scotland, said: “When I found out I was on the squad I was speechless. I’ve always enjoyed watching Podium boxers Iain Weaver, Martin Ward and Andrew Selby, with their fast hands and so many skills. Being here and boxing alongside them will take some getting used to.”

The BABA manages the elite Great Britain Men’s Podium Squad, Men’s Development Squad and Women’s Squad on behalf of the English, Scottish and Welsh ABAs.

Rob McCracken, Performance Director for the BABA, said: “Although the 2012 Games are almost upon us, it is important to look beyond the London Olympics. These call-ups are a key part of our planning for Rio in 2016 and follow excellent talent development work, including rigorous assessments with the GB coaches in Sheffield.

“With proven success at national and international level, the four boxers are excellent additions to our development squad.  Training amongst the very best, in a competitive environment and first-class facilities can only help them to develop further. It is important they apply themselves, train hard and keep improving to maintain their places and push for a spot in the podium team as we start planning for 2016.”