Our Team

At Esselle, our team may be small, but it’s driven by big passion, deep experience and a shared love of sport and travel. With decades of expertise in organising school tours, tournaments and sporting experiences, we’re here to make every trip seamless, memorable and stress-free.

Behind every successful tour is a team of real people who genuinely care about what they do (and who run on a steady supply of tea and coffee). From planning fixtures and negotiating partnerships to designing brochures and keeping the office plants alive, we each bring something different to the table.

What unites us is a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences. We take pride in the details, support our groups every step of the way, and work together to ensure every Esselle tour is exciting, well-organised and unforgettable — both on and off the pitch.

Director and Tour Co-ordinator

Abby Smith

Abby and husband James took over the reins at Esselle in 2024. With years of school business manager know-how, she keeps the numbers balanced and the clients smiling. Never more than a day away from rewatching Game of Thrones or Harry Potter - and yes, she’s sorted into Gryffindor.

Director and Business Development

James Smith

The other half of the husband-and-wife duo, James brings rugby grit and coaching smarts to the team. From negotiating the best tour deals to cheering from the touchline, he’s always thinking of our clients. Often found in the saddle or sideline - and always in full-on cheerleader mode.

Tour Co-ordinator

Aaron Pearson

Aaron’s been with Esselle for over 12 years and knows our tours inside out. He handles football, hockey, and bowls with ease, and our clients adore him. Massive Liverpool fan, part-time whale and sea-life saver, full-time office DJ. If there’s a clipboard, a fixture list, or a playlist - he’s got it covered.

Communications and Tour Co-ordinator

Emma Cooke

New to sports but no stranger to getting stuck in, Emma joined after a long NHS career and now handles all things creative - from words to visuals. She’s happiest wrangling wild ideas or half-dead houseplants. A certified plant whisperer with a passion for punctuation and peace lilies.