The Kensington native played his club soccer with the Ramblers, Juniata and FC Bayern. Gardner was a 3-year varsity player while at North and helped lead the Falcons to the Northern Division Finals in his junior and senior seasons. He was a captain of the 1988 team and earned 1st team All-Catholic, All-city and All-State honors. He was also picked to play for the scholastic traveling team, where he played with other East Coast high school stars, which played a friendly game against the Glasgow Rangers.
After North, Billy went on to a 4-year Collegiate soccer career at St Joseph’s (1989 – 1992). Gardner played alongside fellow Falcon Hall of Famer members Jack Comey, Tim Comey, Don D’Ambra and John McIntyre. He started every game for the Hawks in his final 3 years there. Upon graduating Bill began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, St Joseph’s U. Most recently he has been on the coaching staff at Roman Catholic.