Frederick Osborn was born in Leicester on 10th November 1889. He played for Avondale and Hinckley United before joining Leicester Fosse in 1910. Playing at centre forward, Osborn scored 29 goals in 67 games for the club.

In 1913 he joined Preston North End. Although the club was relegated from the First Division in his first season, he ended up as top scorer with 26 league and cup games. This included three hat tricks against Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers.

Preston North End was promoted from the Second Division in the 1914-15 season. Once again Freddie Osborn was top scorer with 17 goals. The Football League was brought to an end by the First World War.

In 1915 Osborn joined the 160th Brigade Royal Field Artillery (RFA). He served on the Western Front and in 1918 he was badly wounded by a bullet that hit him in the thigh. Although he continued to play football he was unable to regain his place in the Preston North End side.

Frederick Osborn died on 11th October, 1954.