Gary Heale played for Exeter City during 1977/78 when on loan from Luton Town. He later appeared for Reading and Sparta Rotterdam before enjoying a long career playing both outdoors and indoors in the United States.

Gary began his career with his local club Canvey Island in 1975 before moving to Luton Town in December 1976 where he eventually scored one goal in seven league appearances. 

Loaned to Exeter City in December 1977, Gary made his debut in 2-4 defeat at home to Cambridge United and retained his place for the following three matches before returning to Kenilworth Road.

Transferred to Reading in August 1979, Gary enjoyed the best spell of his career as he netted 20 goals in 76 appearances before spending the 1982/83 season with Sparta Rotterdam. Thereafter signing for San Diego Sockers of the North American Soccer League, he later played for Tacoma Stars (of the Major Indoor Soccer League), Los Angeles Lazers, St Louis Storm and Seattle Sounders up until 1994. Continuing to live in Washington state, he coached locally for many years.