Irvine Vineburgh ace Brooke Neely is set to become the youngest female boxer to represent Scotland at a major tournament.
The 14-year-old has been called up by her country to compete at the European Schools Championships in Tblisi, Georgia next month.
She’s one of only two girls in a six-strong Boxing Scotland squad and is hotly tipped to come back with a medal.
Brooke, the reigning Scottish and British Champion at her age group, has been boxing since the age of nine and coach Alec Mullen reckons she has the talent and drive to go all the way in the sport.
He said: “It’s a proud moment for Brooke, her family and everyone connected with Irvine Vineburgh Boxing Club.
“Nobody this young has ever boxed for Scotland at this level, so that tells you the level of her achievement.
“It doesn’t surprise me though because she’s as dedicated a fighter as they come. She trains intensively five times a week at the club and once at the weekend with the Scotland squad.
“I’ve high hopes for her. She has the ability and attitude to be competing at future Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
If she sticks in, she will be eligible for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. That has to be her aim.”
Vineburgh last tasted success at European level when Michael Jamieson won bronze in the Junior division back in 2008.
He sees no reason why Brooke, from Stevenston, can’t repeat that feat even though he admits the competition marks a massive step up in quality.
“Brooke is a very smart boxer and her fitness is through the roof,” said Alec. “If she boxes clever, she’s in with a real chance of coming back with a medal”
Alec reckons there’s been a knock-on effect from Brooke’s success on her Vineburgh stablemates.
“Seeing someone do so well makes everyone want to up their game so she’s definitely been a good influence, he said.
“She’s been sparring with boys from day one and everyone is delighted to see the progress she’s making.”
The European Schools Championships run from August 2-12.
