Benson played football at Eton and for Oxford University. He played as outside-right and was described as "a brilliant forward at times, but a little wanting in strength; has great pace, and is a clever dribbler", and as "a good forward and very useful as a wing player; fast and dribbles well".&lt; Benson was selected as a member of the University team that played in the 1874 FA Cup Final. In the final, played at Kennington Oval on 14 March 1874 against a team from the Royal Engineers, the university ran out as 2–0 winners, with goals from Charles Mackarness and Frederick Patton. Shortly after the FA Cup final, Benson played for Oxford in the first Varsity match against Cambridge University, won 1–0 by Oxford.