FA celebrates Sir Bobby Robson Day

Thursday 31 Jul 2014
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The Football Association (FA) is today (31 July) celebrating the life of Sir Bobby Robson, one of England’s most successful managers, five years on from his passing.

Sir Bobby Robson Day, recognises one of England’s true football legends, who encapsulated the spirit of the game with his passion for football alongside his gentle and welcoming nature to players and lovers of the sport alike regardless of background.

To mark the anniversary there will be football events held by The FA as part of their ‘Love Football, Play Football’ campaign in Ipswich, the place where Sir Bobby had his first European success with Ipswich Town, guiding the Tractor Boys to the 1981 UEFA Cup.

Speaking about the day, Kick It Out’s Troy Townsend and Paul Mortimer gave their thoughts on Sir Bobby Robson:

Troy Townsend, Kick It Out’s Education & Development Manager, said:

“Sir Bobby Robson is undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in English football and it is fitting five years on from his passing he is remembered in this way with a day held in his honour.

“I never had the privilege to meet Sir Bobby, but in many aspects he shared some of the ideas we are trying to promote at Kick It Out. He was a forward thinking man who deeply cared about the next generation and would encourage young people to participate in football regardless of background or ability.

“Kick It Out is actively attempting to engage with young people through our grassroots and community focused ‘Season of Action’ as well as through our initiatives in the Education & Development field.”

Paul Mortimer, Kick It Out’s Professional Player Engagement Manager, said:

“He was a scholar of the game, someone all managers sought for advice when going through tough times, and was always accommodating to all.

“Sir Bobby truly deserves to have a day in his honour, if only for us all to pay our respects to a wonderful football man who was one of the few successful English exports, in more than one country.

“He was an inspiration to all that knew and worked with him and the legacy he has left is there for all to see.

“Part of this legacy is to highlight grassroots and youth football, inspiring our young players to go on and achieve the best they can and this is a huge positive. This links to the work we are implementing at Kick it Out, with our Next 20 Initiative, we have 20 of this country’s young talented players, male and female as Kick it Out ambassadors.

“These young role models will in a positive way inspire the next generation and give them the desire to really want to be the best they can be. I am sure that Sir Bobby would fully endorse what we are doing and would definitely been invited to play a part.”

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