Tom Broughton began his career with local club Grangetown in the Teesside League before signing for Leeds City in October 1912.

He made his first appearance for the Peacocks, deputising for Jack Allan at right-half, at Blackpool on New Year's Day 1913 in a 3-0 victory. He retained his place for the following game but was then ousted by George Law. The Scot monopolised the role until the final weeks of the season when Broughton made another two appearances.

That was the end of his career at Elland Road and he was released in the summer, never playing football professionally again.