William Steer was born in Kingston-upon-Thames in October 1888. He joined Queen's Park Rangers as an amateur in July 1909. A centre-forward, he scored 37 goals in 76 games for the club.

Steer moved to Chelsea and made his debut against Notts County in December 1912. He only played in four games and scored his only goal for the club against Everton in March 1913. Steer finished his career playing in Northern Ireland.

William Steer died in 1955.