Gareth Downs is the son of former Norwich defender Greg. When his father returned to Norfolk, Gareth was successful in winning a place in Norwich's youth team but he wasn't given an academy place.

Gareth joined Great Yarmouth Town, playing alongside his father and moved with him to Mulbarton of the Anglian Combination. In the summer of 2002, Gareth joined Norwich United making his debut as a substitute on the first game of the season against AFC Sudbury.

Gareth is now playing for Wymondham Town in the Lovewell Blake Anglian Combination although he has also played with North Walsham Town, St Andrews and Norwich Union