Football South Australia is deeply saddened by the passing of Charlie Caruso, a Life Member and Hall of Fame inductee whose outstanding contribution to football in South Australia and across Australia spanned decades.
Charlie was one of the most respected and influential administrators in South Australian football, making an enormous contribution to the game at club, state, national and international level. His long association with Adelaide City saw him serve the club in senior leadership positions, including as President, while his contribution to the broader game included serving on the Executive Board of the South Australian Soccer Federation and as Chairman of the Federation.
Charlie’s influence extended well beyond South Australia. He held senior positions within the National Soccer League, including Vice Chairman, and represented Australian football through a range of national and international appointments. His service to the game included involvement with FIFA, major international tournaments hosted in South Australia and leadership roles with Australian national teams, including the Socceroos and national youth teams.
The significance of Charlie’s contribution has been recognised at every level of the game. He was made a Life Member of the South Australian Soccer Federation, Soccer Australia and Adelaide City and was inducted into both the Football Australia Hall of Fame and the Football South Australia Hall of Fame. His legacy within South Australian football also continues through the Charlie Caruso Award, presented annually to the Football South Australia Celebration of Football Annual Award Night.
Charlie was part of a generation of football leaders who helped shape and strengthen the game in South Australia. His contribution extended far beyond the positions he held, and the impact of his service can still be seen across football today.
Football South Australia extends its sincere condolences to Charlie’s family and friends, the Adelaide City community and the many people across the football family who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him. His contribution to our game will not be forgotten.
Vale Charlie Caruso.