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In November 2024, Airlie Keen was elected deputy mayor of the Murray Bridge Council.
The Murray Bridge News reported the election this way: Cr Keen, from Callington, has served on the Murray Bridge council since 2014. Her day job is in the office of independent state MP Dan Cregan, following a career as an international soccer umpire; and she herself ran for the SA State Parliament as an Independent in 2022.
On 1 January 2024, history was made when an all-female Match Officials Panel officiated in an A-League Men’s match.
The panel of six women officials had been the result of a commitment the FFA had made in creating pathways in the game for females.
Airlie Keen had been a woman who had helped pave that path. She was the first female graduate of the TAP (talent acceleration program) for referees identified as capable of making it to the top, run jointly between FFA and FFSA in the mid 90s.
Airlee took up refereeing in her final year of playing. Her claim to fame as a player was scoring the only goal (a screamer) in the 1994 Women’s Cup final, leading her Magill Infernos to defeat League winners Sturt Marion at Hindmarsh Stadium.
She is unafraid to lead, whether it has been in local government or State Parliament, or on the football field.
Attention to detail, strong preparation, and ability and desire to advocate for others and for herself, she reflected a capability to contribute to the game beyond her playing years.
Well before the national body was prioritising women’s involvement, Airlie Keen had been appointed to the FIFA Assistant Referees Panel each year from 2001 to 2011.
She had already officiated in State and National Men’s and Women’s football competitions as Referee and Assistant Referee from 1994 to 2011.
Below is a summary of her international level officiating:
Games included Quarter Finals, Semi Finals and third place play-offs.
She was inducted into the Football SA Hall of Fame in 2015 for her outstanding contribution to the game which included not officiating alone but also as a player, administrator and coach.
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