Club career

Kelly was born in London and played for Arsenal until he was 16 years old. In June 2006, he joined Reading as a scholar. During the 2007–08 season, he made 27 appearances for Reading’s reserve team, playing as a left back. He sat on the bench for Reading’s first game of the 2008–09 season, which ended in a 0–0 draw with Nottingham Forest. Kelly made his debut for Reading in the League Cup against Dagenham & Redbridge. He later made his first league appearance against Plymouth Argyle, playing on the right wing.

On January 21, 2009, Reading’s manager, Steve Coppell, announced that Kelly would likely replace the suspended Liam Rosenior in a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In February 2010, Kelly joined Wycombe Wanderers on a one-month emergency loan. During his debut for Wycombe, he scored a goal from a cross in a 1–0 win over Millwall. In January 2011, Kelly joined Lincoln City on loan and made his debut on January 15 in a 2–1 home loss to Wycombe Wanderers.

On June 1, 2011, Kelly signed a two-year contract with Notts County. His first goal for Notts came in a 3–2 victory over Tranmere Rovers, where he scored a powerful volley. He also scored the winning goal in a 3–2 win against Scunthorpe United after a clever pass from teammate Gavin Mahon. Kelly became a regular player in Martin Allen’s defense as Notts County moved into play-off positions during the season. In a 5–2 loss to Sheffield United, Kelly came on as a substitute and scored Notts’ second goal. He made 34 appearances and scored 3 goals during the 2011–12 season.

Kelly started the 2012–13 season in a 2–1 win over Crewe Alexandra and played 23 more matches before being released at the end of the season. In September 2013, he joined Grimsby Town for a trial but did not receive a contract offer. After a year away from football, Kelly joined Spalding United in May 2014. He stayed with the club briefly before moving to Carlton Town, a team in the same division. In October 2014, he joined Grantham Town, moving up a division.

International career

Even though he was born in England, he was selected for the Republic of Ireland under-19 team in January 2008.

Personal life

His brother, Oliver Kelly, was also a member of the Reading Academy. Kelly's older sister, Natalie, has played the main female character in the Lion King on the West End. His younger sister, Siena, recently gained a spot at the National School of Youth Ballet.