Kelch was a defender who started out with local side Cambridge Boys who he captained to the All-Ireland SFAI Barry Cup Final in 1982.
He began his career at Manchester United where his teammates in the youth team included David Platt.
Kelch played in a full strength United side in a testimonial for Ian Botham in December 1984.
As a Bradford player he played and scored in the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship [2].
[2] Kelch made his League of Ireland debut for Home Farm on 20 October 1985.