Curtis Woodhouse BEM

Curtis Woodhouse is a former Sheffield United Midfielder & youngest ever Cup Captain & ex professional boxer.

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Curtis was awarded a BEM in the 2021 New Years Honours.
“I always think these things are for people on the telly so to get the award was really humbling and good for my kids.”

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Sheffield United
Curtis made his debut for Sheffield United on Saturday 29th November 1997 when he was brought on as a substitute in a 1-0 win against Crewe Alexandra.
Curtis also holds the record for being the clubs youngest ever Cup Captain at 19.   
Curtis made a total for 92 league appearances before leaving The Blades in 2001.
"Everything happened so quickly in football. I went from obscurity to earning ridiculous amounts of money really, really quick and completely lost my focus and lost my way - and at 26 years of age was retired."

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Boxer
Curtis made his professional boxing debut on 8th September 2006 by beating Dean Marcantonio at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Curtis retired from boxing in 2018 with a record of 24 wins and seven defeats.
"At 26 the beautiful game of boxing came into my life, with absolutely no amateur experience I turned professional, ranked 189th out of 189 I started my journey, ridiculed and laughed at wherever I went, I just kept plugging away. It took me eight years to go from 189th to number 1 and become the British light welterweight champion.”

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It Starts Monday
Things have been tough for everyone during the pandemic and countless lockdowns. Curtis had seen and heard from many middle-aged men who’s mental and physical health have been hit hard. Curtis admits he himself needed to do more for his physical health but would always say ‘Starts next Monday’ So after some motivation from his trainer and seeing the difference it was making to his health Curtis launched ‘It Starts Monday’.

Curtis has used his platform to engage men in the initiative and now have close to 1000 men signed up who are changing their mental & physical health for the better.
https://twitter.com/itstartsmonday
 
Rainbow Blades Ambassador
An Ambassador is someone who represents & supports a group/brand and their values. They are an Ally and give their voice to the cause.

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“A Rainbow Blades Ambassador will offer their support to our group and be a voice. They will stand up for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.” says Rainbow Blades Founder & Chair, James Laley.     

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James goes onto say “We are delighted Curtis has become our first Rainbow Blades Ambassador. Curtis works hard with disadvantaged kids who need that support & guidance and has done an inspiring job with ‘It Starts Monday’ helping 100s of men focus on their physical & mental health. Curtis has proven you can grow from your mistakes, make changes to your life and become a better person for it." 

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Former Sheffield United Midfielder & Rainbow Blades Ambassador, Curtis Woodhouse BEM says “I am proud to be the first ever Rainbow Blades Ambassador. As someone who has been subjected to racism from a very young age, I know first-hand how discrimination makes an individual or group feel, and no one should have to experience that. I am proud to stand up for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and be an ally to the LGBT+ community.”