Norman Rowley was born in England. He started his career in junior soccer with the C.N.R. team in London, Ontario. In June 1934 he signed for London Carling-Thistles. After a spell in soccer in Northern Ontario he joined East End Canadians. He then joined Ulster United.
The 5’11 and 175 lbs centre half won the Dominion Championship with Ulster United in the 1946 season.
He represented Ulster United against Liverpool Football Club in the 1948 season. The exhibition game was the big happening of Canadian soccer in the 1948 season. Liverpool won 5-1 in front of 17,000 soccer fans.