Sheffield-born boxer before his first pro fight: “I’d love to be a world champion”
Sheffield boxer Leon Musson is gearing up for his first professional fight this weekend at just 22 years old.
He has achieved a lot in his amateur career since he began boxing at Sheffield Boxing Centre where he has had 41 fights over a 10-year period.
Speaking about his time at Sheffield Boxing Centre, Musson said: “They were the start of my boxing journey. I had a lot of fights for them, I was with them for a long time.
“The training there gets you very, very fit and a lot of my fitness now I do myself and I’m not doing as much fitness in the actual gym. What I’ve found is that I can take everything SBC gave me and I’ve still got that.”
Now he is hoping to take the professional boxing game by storm when he fights at Gateshead on Saturday night.
“It’s been a long time coming. Since I was 10,11 I’ve been looking forward to this. I’m massively excited.
“I want a British title and then once I’ve got that I’ll set another goal. I’d love to be a world champion, obviously everyone wants to be world champion.”
Although Musson, like all boxers, wants to win big titles, his main ambition is to be financially secure after all the effort he has put in to make it to the fringes of the professional boxing scene.
Musson talked openly about the way that he has adapted his game as he adjusts to the switch from the amateur game to the more tactical nature of coming up against professionals.
He said: “I’ve done well at the amateurs, it didn’t suit me completely. I feel like now I’m adapting my style and skillset to the pros.”
The Yorkshireman came up through the ranks in Sheffield but moved to study at Northumbria University when he was 20 years old. Fighting out of Tyneside Boxing Club he has developed his skills to be ready for his new venture into the big leagues.
Musson described how his role has grown within the boxing club since meeting his trainer and manager, Ross Wilkinson, and how he gets involved in helping the younger fighters.
He said: “I really like working with them. I’m a massive part of the gym. I take kids to fights, we’ve got a home show coming up on Wednesday and I’m cornering for that. I regularly coach in the gym, it's got a great community feel just like SBC.
“So far, so good with the team.”
“Disabled people aren’t part of the conversation”: Sheffield organisations criticise plans to cut disability benefits
Disability charities and campaign groups in Sheffield have criticized the governments proposal to reduce the number of people eligible for additional disability benefits, which would lead to thousands of disabled people being forced to find work.
The plans to reform the Work Capability Assessment announced on 22 November as part of the Autumn Statement will reduce the number of disabled people classed as having a "more severe" incapacity
This means thousands of disabled people will no longer be eligible for additional disability benefits.
Lexy Webster, Marketing Coordinator for the Burton Street Foundation, said that there is a concern that some of their clients may have to reduce the number of hours that they could visit them, because of the planned benefits cut.
She has Autism and ADHD herself and said she chose to work at Burton Street because she wanted to be "part of that conversation.
"Although a lot of our clients are in good support systems with their families and things like that, we don’t anticipate that most of our clients will have issues. But we do have some people who are of higher capacity who could be affected by this.
"It’s going to bring some real issues for people like me and for people like our clients.”
The reforms are part of the government's plans to get more people who claim benefits into work.
Laura Trott, Chief secretary to the Treasury said: "Ultimately there is a duty on citizens if they are able to go out to work they should. Those who can work and contribute should contribute.”
Ms Webster said: "It makes it sound like these people are sat around, and that these people are not involved because they don’t want to be, and that’s not the case at all.
"There’s a lot of barriers, and there have been for a very long time to people being able to access work and access support with work."
She added that disabled people who work from home have to "advocate for themselves at quite a high level", because their employers are not around to see their day-to-day struggles.
“Disabled people are being spoken about. They’re not part of that conversation.”
David Hayes, from the Sheffield branch of Disabled People Against Cuts, (DPAC) told Hallam FM that the reforms would cause "an awful lot of anxiety".
"If we are unfit for work, then we are unfit for work. Disabled people, like everybody else, just want to get through this cost-of-living crisis."
According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), around 2.4 million people claim benefits for being unable to work, and that number is expected to rise to 2.8 million by 2028-9.
The proposed reforms will save the government £1billion a year, while leaving an estimated 370,000 people thousands of pounds worse off.
Tom Walters, of IHS, said: “Of the 370,000 people who will lose out from this reform, the overwhelming majority are expected to nonetheless remain on benefits, just with a lower level of income.”
The Burton Street Foundation provide a range of services and activities for disabled people in Sheffield, supporting around 250 clients every week.
Sheffield Cathedral carol concert brings festive cheer in aid of city’s homeless and vulnerable
Co-written with Peter Spriggs
A rousing Christmas carol concert brought merriment to a community of hundreds at Sheffield Cathedral this afternoon in support of the city’s homeless population.
The Archer Project, a charity based at the Cathedral, hosted the feel-good singalong to raise money and awareness for the vulnerable people they support, some of whom were in attendance.
The donations kindly supplied by today’s audience will be spent meeting the Project’s core objective - ‘from sleeping bag to employment’ - which aims to help the homeless back into work.
Lucy Wilks, Events and Corporate Partnerships Officer for the Archer Project, said: “Homelessness is a difficult time all year round, but particularly in the winter in the freezing conditions.”
She encouraged people to spend the season spreading joy to those who are an often-forgotten part of society, even if that is something as simple as saying hello.
The Archer Project was launched in the 1980s to provide hot drinks and breakfast for those who used the Cathedral for shelter and warmth.
Its service later expanded to combat the drastic increase in unemployment, poverty and homelessness the city suffered as a result of industrial decline.
Today the Project works to supply food, clothing and showers to those who have fallen on hard times, working with housing services, medical teams and mental health services to help people get back on their feet.
In recent years, its workload has unfortunately increased under the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Wilks said: “There’s a common misconception that all homeless people are drug addicts or alcoholics, but homelessness can happen to anyone.
“We have people from all walks of life who use our service.”
The Christmas carol concert was introduced by Tim Renshaw BEM, CEO of the Archer Project, who spent 14 nights sleeping rough to connect with the ordeals of those he helps.
His book about this experience, ‘14 Nights’, highlights the importance of interacting with homeless people and that just a smile can make all the difference to their day.
The service then launched into choral renditions of Silent Night, Do You Hear What I Hear?, and Feliz Navidad, which had everyone on their feet bopping along.
Asked what people can do to help this Christmas, Ms Wilks concluded: “One of the things that people can do is just tell people about us. We’re here, we’re able to offer that support and that safe space.”
Are Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces fading?
For the last decade, the Rainbow Laces campaign has had a huge impact on LGBTQ+ visibility in football, but fears are growing about the future of the movement.
The campaign, organised by LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, involves players wearing rainbow-coloured shoelaces on their boots, and captains wearing rainbow-coloured armbands, for all matches within a certain period each year in a show of support for the community. All 20 Premier League clubs have publicly supported the campaign, as well as many others from lower down the English league system.
There has been clear progress in LGBTQ+ inclusivity in football since the campaign began. In 2021, Australian player Josh Cavallo became the only active top-flight player in the world to come out as gay, and last year, Blackpool’s Jake Daniels followed suit, becoming the only active openly gay player in English football history.
Chris Ledger, the founder of Rainbow Owls, Sheffield Wednesday’s LGBTQ+ supporters group, praised the positive influence of the scheme over the years:
“The impact is absolutely enormous. If you go back just a few years, Robbie Rogers [a former USA international] came out as gay and felt like he couldn’t continue.”
“A lot’s changed in the last decade, in terms of visibility on the pitch.”
However, a report published by Stonewall to mark the campaign’s tenth anniversary revealed that true equality was still some way off. Only 33% of those surveyed felt that competitive sport is a welcoming environment for gay and bisexual sports personalities, while just 35% agreed that live sports events provide a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ fans.
In fact, there are fears that attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community at the highest levels of football are regressing. This year in particular, the Rainbow Laces campaign seems decidedly muted. A look at the social media comments of any football club or organisation that supports the campaign will still reveal dozens of homophobic comments, often with hundreds of ‘likes’.
Liz Ward, Director of Programmes for Stonewall, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter): “We’re facing a really scary backlash in men’s football, whilst other sports (cricket, rugby, etc) are more keen than ever to show their support.”
Moreover, The Athletic reported yesterday that the Premier League had halved its annual funding for Stonewall, which previously stood at over £100,000. Adidas, the biggest kit manufacturer in English football, has also significantly reduced the funding it provides to the organisation.
Asked about this issue, Mr Ledger said: “It’s concerning. I think one of the things that happened is last year it was moved from December to October to facilitate the Qatar World Cup, and so this year there’s been a bit of confusion about when it happens. Everyone needs to have that united stance, and to talk about things in the same way.”
Mr Ledger also expressed concerns about ‘sportswashing’ - the practice of using the mass appeal of sports to divert attention from wrongdoing.
“I think it’s a real shame that sportswashing continues to have this stranglehold on football at the highest level. Every month, or every two months, something comes up that these countries are adding to the game.”
“There’s a real sense of fickleness, like with how things have happened with Jordan Henderson [former Liverpool captain and outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights who faced criticism after transferring to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq earlier this year].”
In particular, the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, both of whom criminalise homosexuality, have had this criticism levelled at them by fans. Qatar hosted the 2022 World Cup, while Saudi Arabia was recently announced as the host of the 2034 tournament. Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund is also the majority shareholder in Premier League club Newcastle United.
Kian Ward, an LGBTQ+ football fan based in Sheffield told Sheffield Wire: “I’m really disappointed - it’s made me quite angry, with the World Cup last year in Qatar and now it’s going to another country where homosexuality is illegal and heavily frowned upon.
“These countries have these beliefs and that’s fine, but when the game’s trying to be inclusive and a large portion of football fans won’t be able to attend it’s a shame.”
This week, Sheffield United's Anel Ahmedhodžić became the first Premier League captain for seven years to not wear a rainbow armband during the designated Rainbow Laces period. Neither club nor player have given a reason for this, and Stonewall were unavailable for comment.
Breaking News: Armed police outside McDonalds in Sheffield City Centre after dog attack
Armed police were called to Fargate this afternoon, following reports of a dog attack.
A crowd was formed around the scene and a number of marked and unmarked police cars were in the area.
Police were called at around 2.38pm today after reports of two dogs attacking another dog in High Street, Sheffield.
Two dogs have been seized by police and are under control and one of the dogs involved has suffered a minor injury. No further injuries have been reported at this time.
A man has been detained under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act and officers may be seen in the area conducting enquiries.
An eye witness who works nearby said: "A lot of people were scared and crying in case they saw the dog get shot. They had the guns and shields."
The incident caused disruption on Fargate. One shopper said: "Our Christmas shopping has been delayed by half an hour, it's ridiculous."
A scene was temporarily in place but has since been stood down with trams and buses now running as normal.
Birley Spa War Veteran Launches ‘Re-Wilding for Veterans’ Project in Kenya
A Sheffield war veteran has moved to Kenya to begin a company aiming to benefit Kenyan society, its first project is focused on supporting veterans.
‘Re-Wilding for Veterans’ will see five veterans travel to Kenya to partake in holistic activities and aims to support veterans who might suffer from PTSD, alcoholism, or substance abuse issues
Birley Spa native, Robert Lindley, served 24 years in the Royal Signals as a Yeoman of Signals. In 2010, he was assigned a post in Kenya, where he met his wife Stella and settled with their family in Nairobi.
Mr Lindley, 47, joined the army at 17, after leaving school, he said: “In 1993, there didn't seem to be much opportunity for employment and it just seemed that you either left Sheffield or you'd end up in a job with very little development.
“I think Sheffield gets overlooked a lot. Most money that leaves London and comes up north will generally go to Manchester Liverpool Leeds, Newcastle, and further up in Scotland.
“The way I looked at it was either the army or probably end up in jail."
As the pair raised their family in Nairobi, they recognised that the education system wasn’t comparable to the system in England.
According to The Times Higher Education university world ranking, there is currently no African university ranked in the top 200, with the University of Nairobi ranking between 601-800.
Mr and Mrs Lindley and their son Jason founded the Red List Conservation to provide the Kenyan public with more economic and educational opportunities.
Statistics have found that in 2021, 36.1% of the population are living on less than $2.15 (approx. £1.71)
’Re-Wilding for Veterans’ will serve as the company's introductory project. In June 2024, five veterans will travel to Kenya to take part in a series of activities, including mountain climbing, working with local children, and gaining an education in Kenyan wildlife.
A University of Manchester report found that the risk of suicide was 2 to 3 times higher in men who had left the Armed Forces under 25, than someone who hadn’t served. The National Library for Medicine reports that 20-30% of veterans suffer from PTSD.
Help for Heroes provides a variety of services aimed to support veterans after discharge from services. They aspire to help veterans for life – stressing that some may not suffer immediately after discharge. The charity’s psychologist and clinical lead, Gill Wrigley, said: “It's possible that people might suffer in silence. They might not realise or recognise that they deserve help,”
The Red List Conservation plans to fund other projects, including a reptile sanctuary with educational services. They hope to eventually create an education centre that focuses on the conservation of wildlife in Kenya.
Sheffield City Council pass motion to ban “disaster” single-use vapes
A motion asking the Leader of the Council to write to the Health secretary requesting the banning of single-use vapes passed on Wednesday.
Disposable vapes are not only very harmful to the environment, with 1.3 million of them thrown away each week in the UK, but there are worries they appear to be increasingly marketed towards children.
Sue Alston, the Liberal Democrat councillor for Fulwood who started the motion, said: "The single use vapes are a major concern for the environment. They are a disaster: these things can't be recycled.
"People litter them. They can cause fires if they get put in the general waste - when friction is put on them they can set on fire."
According to a recent survey conducted by ASH, an anti-smoking organisation, more than 20% of children between 11-17 have tried vaping.
They also reported that 40% of those who tried vaping had never smoked before.
Cllr Alston said: "It's really quite worrying, the numbers of very young people or children [who vape]. It's clear from the marketing what the manufacturers intend.
"If you're marketing something as candy floss flavour, you're not marketing it to 40-year-old smokers who are wanting to give up."
Single-use vapes are relatively inexpensive, costing around £6, and are widely available in supermarkets, corner shops and petrol stations.
Josie Lee, 21, a Sheffield student who uses disposable vapes, said: "I think kids are vulnerable and won't understand the full consequences.
"I know there's an age limit but I don't think people are ID'ing (sic) properly for them. I've seen a lot of kids buying vapes who are obviously underage and, especially in the smaller corner shops, they always get sold them."
Miss Lee, who works part-time in a bar, began vaping after realising that it would give her a break each hour from a job that can be tough and demanding.
When asked if single-use vapes should be banned, she said: "Yeah. I know that's controversial coming from someone who does vape, but I just think they're really dangerous.
"I would love to stop and I can't. I wish I'd never started it."
The government are currently discussing bans on the sale of disposable vapes, with these likely to come into law in the new year.
Totally Wicked, one of the UK's most popular vape companies, who have a shop in Sheffield and sell disposable vapes such as Elf Bars and Lost Mary vapes, were approached to comment but refused.
Sheffield’s hidden talent put in spotlight as monthly jazz nights start
Kelham Island resonated with newfound rhythms and soulful melodies last night as it hosted the first jazz event of its kind where existing bands and complete strangers take the stage on the same night.
The event gives a platform to anybody wanting to display their jazz talents or even people wanting to try it out for the first time.
Hosted by Dave Sheard, the founder of Footprints Jazz Club, the debut night unfolded at Alder’s Bar, nestled in the heart of Kelham Island. With the event planned to occur monthly going ahead.
The goal of the night is to create a place where musicians across Sheffield come together, meet and jam it out for the evening. The event gives a stage to the hidden talent of the city, with all instruments being provided for free.
This is not just for musicians though, as anyone in the public is welcome to attend and enjoy a free night of live jazz.
The evening was full of Sheffield born performers and began with an opening act that set the tone for a journey through jazz's diverse soundscape.
Rapper/vocalist Marcus ‘Matic Mouth’ Smith, and drummer Myles Barnett-John, were amongst the standout performers in their respective roles. Both displaying the hidden talent this city holds.
Notable performers also included Joe Cuff, the 14-year-old guitar prodigy from Sunburst, and Benjamin Ten-Bruggencate on saxophone illuminated the stage with their raw talent and infectious energy.
Mr Cuff said: "It went really well, you just gotta feel what you're feeling and follow the band, then everything will go sound. I want to see how far we can go."
One band's incorporation of a ChatGPT-authored song into their set was a testament to the event's innovation and inclusivity. Gaurav Balli, the singer who confessed to using AI-generated lyrics, captivated the audience with his brilliant voice, underlining the night's eclectic essence.
Mr Sheard said: "This live night started as a result of my partner not being very well this year and I couldn't DJ. So, I started up live projects and realised Sheffield has such a gap for people wanting a very new sound and approach to Jazz, soul, and other genres."
"So, I did this to give Sheffield the platform it deserves and help grow the scene here."
Speaking at the event, Alder’s Bar co-manager, Jonny Harrold said: “We can mark that one as a success.” The sentiments echoed through the crowd, embodying a night not just of music, but of shared joy and celebration of the Sheffield jazz scene.
This inaugural event provided a platform for new talents while creating a collective tapestry of music that resonated with the city’s people.
Coming up in January is the Footprints Jazz Festival with Franz Von, Lemur Conspiracy, Fuji Speedway and Kali as well as DJs from SADACCA (Sheffield’s Afro Caribbean centre),
They have also teased at a secret Jazz festival at a park in Sheffield brewing for next summer.
Festive Maker’s Market sees Sheffield’s small businesses thrive
This year’s Maker’s Market in Orchard Square was the biggest one yet as more regional vendors gathered to sell their products than ever before.
There were 15 stalls and live music the market hosted a line up of creative talent including artwork, photography, clothing, jewellery, accessories, plants and food.
Tom Fields, 43, managing director of Fields Flowers and Plants, said: “It’s a great experience, it’s a bit different and it’s a good opportunity to access the city centre. The new shops and bars in the area help with the footfall.
“The market has a positive vibe with music and it’s wonderful what they’re doing in a historically unused area of the city centre.”
The market is always popular with visitors, and with just a few weeks left until Christmas many were looking to find gifts or stocking fillers.
Shay Murray, Orchard Square Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome a range of regional talent and craftsmanship to Orchard Square.
“Alongside some festive wonderment, entertainment and music throughout the day, our Maker’s Market was the perfect pre-Christmas day out, for all the family.”
This summer saw the completion of refurbishment within the Square such as the opening of new restaurants Proove Pizza and the Old Shoe bringing new life to the area.
Laura Davies, 28, a Ceramicist at 53 Degrees North Ceramics said: “The market itself was small but the atmosphere was great, very festive with lots of hustle and bustle.
“It was a fun market and a great way to support small scale sellers and markers, I can’t wait to see it become bigger and better as time goes on.”
Many of the vendors at the Maker’s Market are keen to take part again and anyone looking to apply for a stall can do via contacting Orchard Square.
Grouse shooting estate burning: City Council calls for a ban on the “destructive” health-threatening practice
Sheffield City Council Leader Tom Hunt has written a letter calling on Defra to stop the "destructive practice” of grouse moor burning, which caused a huge pall of toxic smoke to blanket Sheffield this autumn.
On 9 October, wealthy owners of two moorland estates, Moscar and Strines, sent Sheffield air pollution levels soaring four to eight times over the UK legal limits after they set fire to their moors. The fires are set by gamekeepers to stimulate the growth of new heather shoots, which grouse like to eat.
"Grouse moors have demonstrated utter disregard for communities in Sheffield,” wrote Wild Moors, a group dedicated to protecting the moors. In addition to causing air pollution, grouse moor burning also damages the environment and makes flooding worse.
The Moorland Association, which represents the owners of the grouse moors, said: "In October smoke from controlled burns on moors close to Sheffield did regrettably cause an issue for local residents."
In a letter to Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for the Environment, Councillor Hunt wrote: “We all know that air pollution kills and that air pollution from fires has an immediate impact on hospital admissions and A&E attendances. The burning of heather, simply speaking, makes it harder for Sheffield to achieve its air quality improvement ambitions.
"I hope you will take action to end this destructive practice and to put pressure on landowners to put an immediate end to it this season."
Air pollution from burning peatlands is much more toxic than pollution from cars. Research has found that only an hour of wildfire smoke exposure can lead to increases in ambulance calls. When the smoke drifted across the Sheffield, residents reported asthma attacks and difficulty breathing.
While Councillor Hunt called on Defra to stop the practice, he said the City Council "has limited to no powers to compel landowners to behave responsibly."
At least one council member disagreed. Green Party City Ward Councillor Douglas Johnson said. "I think it was disappointing to focus on what the council can't do instead of what it can."
Bob Berzins, a long-time moorland campaigner, also disagreed. He said: "Sheffield Council does have powers to issue a smoke abatement notice against the moor owners and I'm asking Tom Hunt to do everything he can to ensure this happens."
Councillor Hunt’s letter comes after efforts from South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and Sheffield Hallam MP Olivia Blake to prevent future burns.
Doncaster burglar jailed after stealing spree
A thief who caused hundreds of pounds worth of damage after a reckless stealing spree in Doncaster has been jailed for 12 months.
John Stoakes stole two laptops worth £900 in total and a £100 mobile phone after breaking into a business centre in Hyde Park overnight on the 13th of November.
The 36-year-old, of no fixed abode, broke several doors, costing £700 each to repair, and was identified after a spot of blood found at the scene was matched to his DNA.
On the 1st of December, Stoakes shattered the window of a Doncaster bar with a patio slab, going on to steal a £500 mobile phone and three bottles of spirits.
The defendant appeared before Doncaster Magistrates’ Court on the 4th of December and pleaded guilty to all offences.
Detective Constable Danielle Green said: “Stoakes' offending was completely reckless and caused a lot of damage that has proved costly to business owners.
“It is the last thing they need to be dealing with during a cost of living crisis and just before Christmas, and that is why we are doing all we can to identify and prosecute thieves like Stoakes.
“Burglaries like these cause extensive damage and result in valuable items being taken; and sometimes, these kinds of burglaries can put local hard-working firms out of business.
“I would urge business owners in Doncaster to get in touch with their local policing team for advice on how to properly safeguard their premises so we can prevent thieves like Stoakes from committing these thoughtless and damaging crimes.”
From Tramlines to the Town Hall: Sheffield’s student sofa ad wins ‘Oscar of Higher Education’
The Sheffield Universities beat fierce competition and received national acclaim for a campaign which saw students take a tour of Sheffield on a sofa.
University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University set aside competitive goals to as they aimed to market the city as an attractive home for students.
The Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team was given for the 'Sheffield: Your University City' campaign last night at the ACC in Liverpool.
The universities wanted to change perceptions after 'target demographic areas had low awareness of Sheffield as a potential study destination.'
Dan Barcroft, Director of Student Recruitment at the University of Sheffield, said: "We are incredibly proud that our innovative and collaborative campaign with our partners has been recognised by this award."
Jacqui Robinson, Director of Communications and Marketing at Sheffield Hallam University, said: “Anyone who has spent time in Sheffield knows how welcoming it is, and how important our universities are to the region.
"Thanks to this campaign, we have been able to highlight how Sheffield is a great place to study, live and ultimately to start a career – it has been a great success for us, and for our city."
The 30 second advert, which saw three prospective students sat on a sofa in some of Sheffield's most recognisable places, beat out campaigns by Norland College, the University of Nottingham, University of Portsmouth, London Metropolitan University and Queen University Belfast.
The panel said of the winners: "The campaign clearly delivered significant positive impact on the city and both universities in terms of attracting students to study in Sheffield."
Sheffield is home to over 60,000 students from over 150 countries with £313m brought to local economy by international students, according to a report by Universities UK International and the Higher Education Policy Institute.
Sheffield Hallam University also won the award for International Collaboration of the Year for their partnership with the United Nations' International Organization for Migration.