 He began his football career with Middlesbrough, but never played league football for the club, and then played in the Football League for Carlisle United, Darlington (two spells), Newport County, Cardiff City, Torquay United, Exeter City (both on loan), and Hartlepool United.He played non-league football for Gateshead after his second spell with Darlington.After finishing his full-time football career, Tupling became a teacher.