Ward was born in Whitehaven,[5][a] Cumberland, the fifth child of John Ward, a coal miner, and his wife Catherine.[6] By the time of the 1911 census, the family had moved to Cowpen, Northumberland, and the five oldest sons, the 15-year-old Edward included, were all employed at the colliery.[7]
He played football as an amateur for Blyth Spartans before joining Newcastle United at the end of the 1919–20 season.[8] He played 25 matches for Newcastle during the 1920–21 season, 21 in the First Division and 4 in the FA Cup.[9] According to the Derby Daily Telegraph, he was the smallest player in Newcastle's squad, "but his pluck and speed make him a dangerous inside right".[8] He lost his place the following year, and moved on to Crystal Palace for a £250 fee.[9] In December 1923, by which time the player had moved on again, to Nelson, Newcastle were obliged to solicit the Football League's assistance in extracting from Crystal Palace the £150 balance owing from the transfer; the League allowed the claim, and ordered the money be paid by 1 January.[10]
Ward signed for Darlington in November 1924.[11] He played five Third Division North matches,[1] including a 2–1 win against Ashington in which he was involved in both goals.[12] After Darlington secured promotion to the Second Division, Ward was not retained,[13] so he signed for Ashington.[14] He scored twice in his first match for the club, in a 3–3 draw at home to Wigan Borough,[15] and over the next two seasons contributed 10 goals from 25 matches in the Third Division North.[1] He finished his career with spells at two North-Eastern League clubs, Workington,[5] where he was appointed captain,[16] and West Stanley.[1]
The 1939 Register lists him as a single man living with his brother John and sister Catherine in Blyth, Northumberland and occupied as a general labourer (heavy worker).[2] Ward's death was registered in the Northumberland Central district, which included Blyth, Ashington, Bedlington and nearby villages, in the first quarter of 1971.[3]