Thomas Beattie is an English entrepreneur and former professional footballer. His professional football career spanned over 10 years before a serious head injury forced him to retire. Beattie is the co-founder of several companies based throughout Asia. Specialising in mobile technology, and product development, Beattie has commercial interests in the fitness industry throughout South East Asia. Beattie was voted as one of Singapore's most eligible bachelors of 2019 by CLEO magazine. In an interview with ESPN, Beattie came out as gay on 23 June 2020.
Early life
Beattie was born in Goole, Yorkshire, England, Yorkshire, England on 16 September 1986. At the age of 9 years old, he was scouted for Hull City A.F.C., Leeds United F.C. & Blackburn Rovers F.C. subsequently signing for Hull City. He was educated at Vermuyden School until the age of 15 where he started his professional career with Hull City A.F.C. at the age of 16.
Club career
Hull City FC
Beattie started at the academy of Hull City at the age of 9 years old. He progressed through the youth ranks into the reserve team at the age of 16. After establishing himself in the reserve team he found first team opportunities hard to come by with the progression of the club been promoted. He left at the age of 19 to play & study in the USA on a football scholarship.Thomas Beattie #cite note-3|
Beattie signed with London City of the Canadian Soccer League in 2010. He recorded his first goal for the club on 28 May 2010 against TFC Academy. At the conclusion of the season he received the CSL Rookie of the Year award. Thomas re-signed with London for the 2011 season. and over his time at London City went on to score 15 goals in 49 club appearances.
In November 2012, Beattie signed for Singapore side Hougang United of the S.League. He was signed by Alex Weaver for 2013–14 season where he went on to captain the club in what was a difficult season. During his time at the club the then manager Alex Weaver was fired after only five games which resulted in a managerial merry-go-round for the rest of the season.
The following season Beattie was signed by his former manager Alex Weaver for Warriors FC of Singapore for an undisclosed fee, where they won the league title in his debut season. Beattie played in the Championship winning team along with the likes of Daniel Bennett, Nicolás Vélez & Hassan Sunny. Beattie returned to the club the following 2015–16 season and started the season where the previous one had left off. The club secured the 2015 Singapore Charity Shield beating Balestier Khalsa FC 1–0. As a result of winning the Championship in 2015 the club qualified for the AFC Champions League. The first game of the group stages was against Yadanarbon F.C. which they won 6–5 on penalties. The second group game which they ultimately lost 3-0 was against Chinese Super League giants, Guangzhou R&F F.C.. Shortly after the AFC Champions League campaign he sustained a life-threatening injury in a head collision during a game against Geylang International FC resulting in a brain haemorrhage and facial fractures to the cheek, nose, eye sockets and forehead forcing him to retire.
Life after football
Modelling
Beattie has modelled for various brands and products throughout Asia and has featured in Esquire and ExpatLiving.
