THE Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) Inc. and the football fraternity in general mourn the passing of Hudson B. Kelly.
Hudson B. Kelly was a dedicated and loyal servant to St. Lucia’s football. His contribution which spanned many decades first started as a player and later as an administrator.
In the early 1960s Kelly featured as a player for the Spartans Football Club. However, during that decade he would find his true football calling when he was elected to serve as the secretary for the Castries based St. Lucia Football Association. It’s a position he held on to for several years and in the process he became and remained the longest serving secretary to that association.
When local football was restructured so as to ensure that football island-wide fell under a national body, Hudson B Kelly was brought in as the National Football Union’s Administrative Officer. In those early days, the National Football Union operated from the Monplaisir Building on Brazil Street. As administrative Officer, Kelly was responsible for the day to day activities of the association. Whether it was arranging flights for national teams or liaising with local leagues and youth and sports councils Kelly was the go-to-man.
He was very meticulous in his work. He knew who to talk to so things can get done. Many a former player could happily state how Kelly was able to get their travel documents in record time. As recently as six weeks before his death Kelly was still providing information to the SLFA on the history of local football.
Along his football journey Kelly also served as the Assistant Secretary for the Caribbean Football Union and Secretary for the Wndward Islands Football Association.
The SLFA salutes Hudson B. Kelly for his tremendous contributions and sacrifices to the beautiful game of Football. These have not gone unnoticed. You have played the complete match; a full 90 minutes plus extra-time.
Hudson B. Kelly’s contribution is forever etched in the annals of St. Lucia’s football history.
You can now rest in peace in the dressing room of the heavens.