Vale Charles David Kelly
19.2.1933 – 25.5.2020
Charlie was involved with Football (Soccer) in South Australia for over 40 years from his early days with Para Hills West Soccer Club and more recently as a member of the Football SA Hall of Fame Honours Committee.
Charlie arrived in South Australia in 1969 and set up house in Salisbury East. Soon after, with his boys, Charlie joined Para Hills West and was soon on the Club’s Committee as well as coaching, team manager, cooking BBQ's etc. As his boys got older Charlie took up refereeing and attained his Level 1 Certificate. Charlie continued refereeing, mainly in the Amateur League, till about 1980 when he and his boys joined the Para Hills Soccer Club who had just moved to the Paddocks.
Charlie was soon co-opted onto the Committee fulfilling each one of the following positions more than once: Committee Member, Secretary (10+ years), Treasurer and Chairman. During his time as Chairman he managed to improve the Club Facilities by extending the spectator’s covered, the Clubrooms as well as extending the Change Rooms. During this time, he also served on various Federation Sub-committees.
Charlie was also heavily involved in hosting the State Championships at the Paddocks in the 1990s and the installation of lighting that enabled the Club to host training facilities for the 2000 Olympics.
Charlie was a Life Member of the Para Hills “Knights” Soccer Club.
In late 2017, Charlie was appointed to the FFSA Hall of Fame Honours Committee and was also a member of the Museum Working Group.
All his life Charlie was a huge Manchester United fan and enjoyed many visits to Old Trafford when he and wife Una returned to the UK on Holidays. It was a huge thrill for Charlie to meet up with players such as Brian Kidd, Peter Schmeichel & Roy Keane to mention but a few. Charlie also played a major part in the set up of the Manchester United Supporters Club here in South Australia, of which he held the position of Treasurer. Charlie was also responsible for securing Brian Kidd as Patron for the MUFC SA Branch.
‘Charlie Kelly’, a true gentleman on & off the pitch.
Thank you, Charlie, you will be sadly missed by all the football family in South Australia. May You Rest in Peace Dear Friend.
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Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Charlie's funeral service will be attended by family only, however, the service, which takes place on Friday, will be streamed online. Click below for details.