 He then attended Audenshaw School in Audenshaw.He grew up with his younger brother Jordan, who played football for West Bromwich Albion F.C., Barnsley F.C.and Stalybridge Celtic F.C..

Tunnicliffe played for his local amateur football team, Reddish Villa, with his younger brother Kristian, until the age of 11 when scouted by Stockport County.