From the Premier League to Primary Schools
Ben Osborn grew up chasing a dream many of us only imagine: playing professional football. He made that dream a reality at Nottingham Forest, then took it all the way to the Premier League with Sheffield United. But off the pitch, a different kind of ambition began to take shape.
Together with former teammate Jack Andrews, Ben co-founded a coaching company—originally aimed at grassroots players—which has since evolved into Elite Football Development, now known as EFD Sport and Education. Their mission? Use the power of sport to raise aspirations, improve behaviour, and teach life-changing skills to young people across the UK.
A Coaching Company That Grew into a Movement
While still playing professionally, Ben was already dipping his toes into coaching. He and Jack began running community sessions, and the response was clear—something deeper was happening. Kids were building trust, confidence, and resilience. Teachers were seeing changes that traditional methods hadn’t achieved.
What started as football coaching gradually transformed into a full-time mentoring service embedded within schools. Today, the EFD team works across primary and secondary settings, supporting pupils with behavioural challenges and delivering sessions on self-esteem, mindset, and positive decision-making—all through the language of sport.
The Challenges of Building a Business from Scratch
Ben is honest about the early struggles: making mistakes, underestimating hidden costs, and feeling the pressure of running a business where other people’s livelihoods are on the line. He recalls the uncertainty of whether they’d survive the early years, and the immense weight of responsibility as the team grew.
Despite that, the business now has national ambitions and a team culture Ben is incredibly proud of. “The people we work with, the relationships we’ve built, the team we’ve got—that’s what I’m most proud of,” he says.
The Role of Sport as a Mentorship Tool
The heart of their programme lies in keeping sport at the centre. Sessions are designed around real sporting examples, keeping things practical and relatable. Many of the young people they work with still engage with sport, even when they struggle in other areas of school. Sport becomes the bridge that opens up a wider conversation.
Mentors at EFD Sport and Education often have lived experience: many were once the “difficult” students themselves, and credit sport with giving them the structure, confidence, and focus they needed to thrive.
Growing with the Right Support
Ben credits Nuvo with helping make that growth sustainable. After feeling let down by a large, impersonal firm, he made the switch to Nuvo (then ADS Accountancy) and hasn’t looked back.
“What I needed was a team who could sit down with me, understand the business, and help me make sense of it. Ben and the Nuvo team have helped us structure things properly, move all our businesses under one roof, and take the pressure off our shoulders.”
Now, Ben relies on Nuvo for his business accounts, payroll, personal tax, and ongoing advice.
Looking to the Future
What’s next? The team hopes to expand nationally, without sacrificing the impact and quality that makes them who they are. For Ben, it’s about staying rooted in values, continuing to grow a culture of purpose, and helping more young people realise their potential.
Watch the full video above to hear Ben’s story in his own words.
Don’t want the pressure of your finances holding you back?
If Ben’s story strikes a chord, and you’re looking for the kind of support that grows with you, Nuvo can help. We take the weight off your shoulders so you can focus on what matters, whether that’s scaling your business, making an impact, or simply getting some headspace back.
Book a free discovery call today to see how we can help.
