It was a surreal weekend for Jas Singh, both on and off the pitch.
From saving shots to inspiring the next generation, Jas Singh is much more than Tamworth FC’s reliable shot-stopper.
As one of the few British South Asian players in football, Singh’s football journey stands out—not just for his performances on the pitch but also for the barriers he’s helped break along the way.
His name made it into the mainstream on January 12, 2025, as he and his teammates put on a courageous performance against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup third round.
Although the match finished 3-0 to Tottenham, Tamworth’s heroics were talked about in the days after.
And for Jas Singh, he was an inspiration for British Asian football fans, who were extremely happy to see a brown face on TV playing football in the FA Cup.
In an exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Jas Singh opens up about his career at Tamworth FC, the highs and lows of non-league football, and what representation truly means in the modern game.
Play each audio clip and hear Jas Singh’s answers.
Tell me about your footballing journey—how did it all begin for you, and what led you to become a goalkeeper for Tamworth FC?
Jas Singh’s football journey began at school and because he was the tallest person, he was put in goal, which ended up becoming his position.
Whilst playing for his Sunday league team, scouts watched him and at 16, he joined West Midlands County.
Singh then had a trial at Wolverhampton Wanderers but things didn’t work out.
He signed for Shrewsbury Town before playing for various non-league teams and eventually, he joined Tamworth FC.
What have been some of your biggest challenges, both on and off the pitch?
Like every footballer, Jas Singh has experienced challenges and as a goalkeeper, it is a mistake that affects the game.
He admits that it can be mentally difficult to take.
Off the pitch, Singh explained that it is hard being a South Asian goalkeeper because there are hardly any in English football.
Jas Singh stated that he is fortunate that the fans have been good to him but at times, he hears negative mutters from them.
But as he’s grown older, he has learnt to block out the critics and focus on his game.
What was it like preparing for and playing against Tottenham?
It was a surreal weekend for Jas Singh, both on and off the pitch.
A day before Tamworth FC’s FA Cup match against Tottenham, Singh’s partner gave birth to their son.
Once he knew she would be okay and was comfortable, he began preparing for one of the biggest games of his life.
Singh believed the lack of time between the two events was a good thing because he didn’t have enough time to think and it was just about getting on.
Although the match didn’t go Tamworth’s way, it was a performance Jas Singh and his teammates could be proud of.
What more can be done to improve representation?
Jas Singh believes if someone is good enough, they’d be playing.
He admitted that the quality of South Asian players is not up to standard but it is about giving players the opportunity.
Singh stated that he could play at a higher level but he has never had the opportunity to show what he can do.
The goalkeeper hopes in the future, players are given the opportunity to play at certain levels.
What role do you think cultural expectations/stereotypes have played in the lack of South Asian players?
Jas Singh doesn’t put the lack of South Asian footballers to cultural stereotypes, although it might have been the case when he began playing.
The game has moved on, with initiatives to boost diversity in football.
However, there are still hurdles. Singh says some managers or clubs won’t select players of certain backgrounds, putting it down to them not culturally understanding them.
How do you balance football and your daytime job?
As well as playing for Tamworth, Jas Singh also works as a building surveyor and balancing the two is a lot of commitment.
For him, it means going to the gym at 5 am, then going to work and then going to football training in the evening.
Jas Singh credits his family and friends for their support and understanding of his commitments.
It can be difficult, especially when there are away games on Tuesday nights because returning home is usually late and then it is a case of getting up early the next morning for work.
But Singh enjoys the grind.
What are your personal goals in football and what message would you give to aspiring South Asian players?
His advice to aspiring South Asian footballers is to continue working towards their goals and overcoming any obstacles.
On a personal level, Jas Singh wants to continue playing football at a good level and he believes right now, he is playing the best football of his career.
He enjoys playing the game and when he loses that love, he will think about hanging the boots up.
As Jas Singh continues his journey with Tamworth FC, his story is a reminder that representation matters both on and off the pitch.
His dedication, resilience, and passion for the game have made him a role model for aspiring players, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Singh’s heroics in the FA Cup catapulted him into the limelight.
And with his eyes set on future successes, Jas Singh remains determined to inspire others while making his mark in football.
His message is clear: believe in yourself, embrace your identity, and never stop chasing your dreams.
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