Gaven was the tenth trainee from Norwich's successful South East Counties league winning youth side to sign professional forms. He had joined the club as an associate schoolboy at the age of 14 but had been initially spotted playing for St Benet's Wasps at Under-11 level. He then went on to play for Kit Carson's Canary Rangers.

Gaven was described an an illustrious midfielder with a good range of passing skills. Although he played in the Reserves throughout 1997/98, he joined Wisbech Town on loan. He was released by Norwich in May 1998 but they offered him a coaching role with their Football in the Community scheme and academy sides. Despite interest from Bristol Rovers and Peterborough, he accepted his new role with the Canaries

Gaven also joined Lowestoft of the Eastern Counties League as a player. A car accident in the summer of 1999 left Gaven with serious neck injuries and he missed the whole 1999/2000 season. He has since spent some time with Beccles and managed Mattishall.

A level 3 coach, he is currently head coach of the girls football team at Easton College

On 29th April 2019, Gaven was appointed the new manager of Beccles Town FC.