White was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, and first played for Brentford as an amateur,[4] before World War I intervened.

[6] He was discharged in February 1919 and returned to competitive football when he joined newly promoted Arsenal prior to the beginning of the 1919–20 season,[5][6] making his debut in Arsenal's very first match after their promotion back to the First Division, against Newcastle United on 30 August 1919.

[7] White soon made a name for himself as a reasonably prolific striker, and he was Arsenal's top scorer in 1919–20 with fifteen league goals, as the Gunners finished 10th in their first season back at the top; he impressed enough to play in a trial for England, although ultimately he never won a cap.

However, in 1922–23 he (and Arsenal) suffered a slump in form and after being replaced by converted full back Bob Turnbull in November 1922, he was sold to Blackpool in March 1923.

[7] After leaving Arsenal, White embarked on a journeyman's career; as well as playing for Blackpool he went on to have spells at Fulham, Walsall (twice), Nelson, Stafford Rangers and Thames before retiring in 1930.