“It’s because of you all, I love the game,” Ben Harris announces retirement

Ben Harris, a goalscoring hero for fans of Slough Town, Bracknell Town and Ascot United, has announced he is hanging up his boots.

In a statement on social media, Harris wrote: It’s time for this old dog to rest up and become a non-league football fan! I have suffered a bad ankle break and ligament damage which requires surgery. To my managers, players & fans who cheered us on! Thank you everyone, it’s because of you all, I love the game. Beno x”

Harris was part of Slough’s 2017/18 promotion winning side as the Rebels returned to the National League South and spent the 2024/25 season with Ascot United where his 13 goals fired the Yellas to to the Isthmian League South Central Division One play-offs.

Prior to being part of Slough’s promotion campaign 2017, he had been in New Zealand winning back to back titles with Team Wellington as well as featuring in the Oceania Champions League.

At the time of his return, Football in Berkshire published a feature called “Meet Ben Harris – Ascot United’s double New Zealand Championship winner“.

The front man is fresh from back to back championship victories in New Zealand with Team Wellington, the most recent coming in April 2017 when the TeeDubs beat Auckland City 2-1 – Harris scoring both goals which you can watch in the video above and he scored his sides fourth in a 4-2 win over the same opposition in the previous season.

Harris’ manager this season at Ascot, Jamie Tompkins, revealed the club has launched a crowdfunding campaign to support the player: “Gutted to say Ben Harris has suffered a career-ending injury playing for Ascot United. A leader and warrior on the pitch, now facing surgery and a tough time as a self-employed dad. We ask ex-clubs, teammates, managers & supporters to donate/share.

If you are able to contribute, the GoFundMe page is here.

Ben Harris’ career in pictures: