Tom Brodie – a profile
By Victoria Elsbury-Legg
There is much up and coming talent amongst the ranks of polo, with many younger players being picked for spots in the high goal teams, one of these players being Tom Brodie. Coming from a family who truly seem to have polo in their genes (Tom’s Grandfather and Father both played to a reasonable level) he is quick to point out that he wouldn’t be on the field without the help and support of his family. His father Alex still plays occasionally, but loves being at home making the youngsters (Tom’s favorite pony ‘Sambo’ is a six year old homemade dark bay thoroughbred which Tom describes as ‘Having serious power, speed and never lets me down. He has a great character as well’).
Tom has been surrounded by polo from a young age and started playing in the Pony Club at Jorrocks level age 8 years old. Since then polo has taken him around the World, from the fields of Guards (where he is a member) to Spain, Argentina, South Africa and China. This year he played high goal for the first time in Sotogrande as part of team Ellerston, the best part of which he described to me was ‘Being part of an amazing setup and playing with two of the best players in the World.’ Not surprisingly he continues to explain that ‘the highlight of the 2014 season was definitely playing in the Gold Cup final in Sotogrande. An incredible experience, playing in a Final of the Gold Cup is every kids dream!’ Given that the players whose style he most appreciates are Facundo Pieres and Adolfo Cambiaso ‘because they make polo look so easy’, it is no surprise this was a polo highlight of 2014.
Right about now, Tom is heading for Argentina where he will be based at La Dolfina then next stop is Dubai for January, February and March. When the English 2015 season starts look out for him sporting a green and white shirt as Tom will be playing as part of Dubai.