Poignantly coming five years to the day since the former England manager passed away, the day will have a focus in Ipswich – where Sir Bobby achieved so much in club football.
Sir Bobby Robson died five years ago this week
Right up to his death on 31 July 2009, Sir Bobby never lost sight of the importance of participation and enjoyment at every level of the game, even when winning major honours at home and abroad or guiding his country to the 1990 FIFA World Cup semi-finals in Italy.
Working with the Suffolk FA, The FA will showcase its work at grassroots level – particularly with children – following on from an inaugural nationwide event last year.
Five years on, the ‘Love football, Play football’ message will be reinforced through an FA Charter Standard clubs tournament, FA Skills session and coaching workshop in the shadow of Ipswich Town’s Portman Road home.
Tributes will also be paid across the country and also further afield, with so much of his success coming in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands.
As well as reminding us of his lifelong devotion to the national game, the whole day will help spread the word of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation - the charity he established to help fight cancer during the last 18 months of his life.
The FA will make a donation to the Foundation from its FA Community Shield Fund, as Wembley prepares to host the season curtain-raiser between Arsenal and Manchester City on Sunday 10 August.
“Sir Bobby was the perfect ambassador for English football.”
Greg Dyke
Lady Elsie Robson, Sir Bobby’s widow, said: "Bob would love the idea of all these young players coming together to learn new skills and enjoy playing some football. He’d be in his element, and no doubt helping the coaches do their job too.
"It feels like a very appropriate way to remember him. We were so pleased last year when the first Sir Bobby Robson National Football Day was such a success. I’m always touched by how fondly people remember Bob and by the wonderful support his charity receives. He was so passionate about his Foundation and we’re very grateful to The FA for the way they’ve always supported our work."
FA Chairman Greg Dyke said: "Attending last year’s inaugural Sir Bobby Robson Day was one of my first acts as FA Chairman and it was inspiring to see so many youngsters enjoying the game and getting so much out of football.
"It was exactly why I took the job. Sir Bobby was all about enthusiasm and energy, pride and passion – and we should never lose sight of the simple pleasures of football.
"Sir Bobby was the perfect ambassador for English football and much loved by everyone, even those who never even had the fortune to meet him in person. I am delighted that we are able to play a small part in ensuring his outstanding contribution to sport in this country is never forgotten."
Sir Bobby Robson led England into World Cup action in both 1986 and 1990
A spokesman for Ipswich Town commented: "It will be an honour for Ipswich Town to welcome members of the Robson family back to Portman Road on what will be a special occasion.
"It seems so appropriate that we celebrate Sir Bobby Robson Day on the day we have designated as an Open Day at the Club, with fans invited in to watch the team train and enjoy a host of activities.
"As well as being a football legend for what he achieved on the field, Sir Bobby was always happy to meet and talk to supporters about the game and we are sure he would have enjoyed the Football Club opening its doors to the fans."
Sir Bobby Robson Day will continue The FA’s grassroots focus this summer, following on from a hugely successful ‘Reds v Blues’ initiative in June – when tens of thousands of people took part in matches across the country – and building towards its FA Community Shield weekend, in association with community partner McDonald’s later in August.
The FA is proud to be associated with the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which continues to do valuable work in raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer. Sir Bobby and Lady Elsie launched the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation in 2008 after a request for help from his oncologist Professor Ruth Plummer.
Sir Bobby said he would give up a year of his life to the charity. In fact, he became so passionate about it that, despite being very ill, he spent his last 18 months doing all he could to raise funds to find more effective ways to detect and treat cancer through his Foundation.
He described it as "like being at the helm of a team again" - his last and greatest team – and always said ‘when’ not ‘if’ we beat cancer.
Sir Bobby truly believed, with us all pulling together, we will beat the disease.
