David High was born in Reading, played for Reading and Berkshire Schools, and his precocious talent as a ball playing defender saw his join Reading FC aged just fifteen in April 1956.  He progressed through the youth and reserve teams, captained Reading’s under 18s to victory in the Neuminster Centenary Tournament in Germany in 1958, and in the same year was selected for the England Youth team, captained by Bobby Moore, which beat Wales Youth 8-1 at Elm Park.

He made his first team debut for Reading on 2 September 1959, in a 0-1 home defeat against Newport County, and stayed in the side, often appearing alongside his good friend Gordon Neate, for the next three seasons.  His final appearance for the first team was in a 0-0 draw at Elm Park on 28 August 1963 against Crystal Palace.  David made a total of 77 first team appearances for his home town club, and scored two goals, in consecutive games against Colchester United and Tranmere Rovers in January 1960.

David seemed destined for a long and successful playing career even after he lost his place in Reading’s starting eleven.  He was about to sign for Bristol Rovers in the summer of 1964, however he was struck down by ill health and had to stop playing football.  David subsequently emigrated to Australia where he played for Slavia-Port Melbourne between 1965 and 1967. He will always be remembered as a skilful player who always gave his best every time he appeared for his local club.