Born in Shadwell, London, Freddie Groves played as a forward, either as inside forward or centre forward. He started his career at Glossop before moving to Woolwich Arsenal as an amateur in August 1912, turning professional in October 1913. He made his debut against Derby County on 7 December 1912, playing three games in Woolwich Arsenal’s relegation season of 1912-13. He continued to be a bit-part player in the two seasons Arsenal spent in the Second Division playing just five games in two years.
After first-class football was suspended for the First World War, Freddie found more chances to play in the side in wartime games, and made 133 appearances in wartime matches for Arsenal, and was a semi-regular on the resumption of League football in 1919-20 playing 29 League games that season (as Arsenal had since been elected to the First Division).
He played another 13 the following season, before leaving the club in August 1921; in total he played 53 games in League and FA Cup for Arsenal, scoring seven goals.
He saw out his career, firstly at Brighton & Hove Albion for three years (1921-1924) where he made 60 appearances scoring 2 goals and then Charlton Athletic in 1924-25.