Sukhman Singh’s journey to becoming a men’s soccer player at UNBC is something to behold.
After starting out on the other side of the world, and playing men’s recreational soccer, the 23-year-old has committed to the varsity team for the upcoming season.
“Honestly, the first couple weeks were so much pressure, and I was so nervous, too. It was something different. I was waiting for this opportunity. I was nervous. I was in or out, I wasn’t sure. I couldn’t sleep for a week. I was sleeping for four hours and then just lying on the bed and thinking how did I do, and what were things I could do better. When Steve handed me that shirt, that was the best time, so far, in my career.”
Born in Punjab, India, Singh took up goalkeeping in the sixth grade, but to the center-back position in high school.
He believes the experience playing defense as a major asset to his development as a keeper.
“I was keen to play as a goaltender. I love it. It is what I want to be on the soccer field. I just want to stop the goals. I don’t want my team losing. If I have more energy, I can boost that energy into my team. My defense gets the boost up and then they boost up the middle, and that is how we go on. When you step on the field, that could be the last match you play. So, I want to give one hundred percent. That’s what I think.”
Singh moved to Canada in 2015 and enrolled in CNC’s Business Management program. He spent three years away from the game he loved, before getting back on the pitch in the men’s league in Prince George.
With players on the roster from Egypt, Germany, Mali, India, France, Jamaica, and Canada, there is no shortage of unique personalities and experiences wearing Timberwolf colours this season.
“Coming here, all the different people from different countries, and I don’t see a difference when we play. We all seem to be equal. On the field, all you see is the ball. Nothing else. All the players work for the ball. We back each other up, and I believe that is good,” added Singh.
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