harding joined the brighton & hove albion youth scheme in 1999 aged sixteen. after a successful run in the reserves he made his first albion appearance as a substitute for shaun wilkinson in the 79th minute in a 2–0 home loss against norwich city on 17 august 2002. this was his only appearance in the 2002–03 season after he suffered a back injury in october. in april 2003 harding signed his first professional contract with the club.