Khalsa FA Futsal player Jhai Singh Dhillon signs pro contract with Stevenage FC

18-year-old British Indian footballer Jhai Singh Dhillon has signed a one-year professional contract with English League One side Stevenage FC.

The teenager has consistently performed at a decent level in training and matches during his scholarship years to secure his first professional contract. Dhillon was part of the Stevenage youth team that reached the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in the club’s history.

The defender also spent three months on loan to Evostik Southern Premier Division side Hitchin Town last season, in which Jhai made 12 starts for Hitchin Town and also scored one goal.

Jhai said on signing for Stevenage, “Both my parents instilled a great work ethic into me from a young age, not only in relation to football but in my approach to life, without the influence of them and my brother, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I know the real hard work begins now.”

Jhai’s father, Chunky, adds, “Football is a great sport and very positive getting youngsters of the streets. Its important for Parents to be good role models!”

Dhillon joined Stevenage a few months after being one of the first winners of Chelsea FC’s Search for an Asian Star in 2009.

Then in 2010, Dhillon was selected to the Khalsa Football Academy’s futsal senior side making him the youngest KFA Futsal player to play in the first team at the age of only 15 in an international club futsal tournament. Jhai played an important part in KFA’s tournament victory including helping KFA secure a 2-2 draw with an impressive performance against Valencia CF‘s futsal team.

Khalsa Football Academy’s Bal Singh said, “Jhai has been part of the KFA Futsal Project and has regularly participating in Futsal initiatives and KFA events that have helped his development not only as a player but as a person. Everyone at KFA are pleased for him and hes a great role model for all KFA students.”