Remembering Sir Bobby Charlton's Ipswich school sessions

The Manchester United great was a key member of England’s victorious 1966 World Cup team, while he was also part of the first English team to win the European Cup in 1968 - 10 years after surviving the Munich air disaster which claimed the lives of eight of his teammates.

Manchester United and England football legend Sir Bobby Charlton in action at the former Thurleston High School (Image: Archant)

A statement on behalf of the Charlton family said: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Sir Bobby passed peacefully in the early hours of Saturday morning. He was surrounded by his family.

“His family would like to pass on their thanks to everyone who has contributed to his care and for the many people who have loved and supported him.

Sir Bobby Charlton watches on during the session (Image: Archant)

“We would request that the family’s privacy be respected at this time.”

The midfielder would go on to set up The Bobby Charlton Soccer School, which visited Ipswich almost 40 years ago.

The soccer school was a chance for the town's youngsters to meet with the football legend, who was an idol to many (Image: Archant)

In 1985, Charlton and his school held a session at Thurleston High School, now Ormiston Endeavour Academy.

The session was run by the legend himself and attracted dozens of youngsters from across the town, and perhaps further afield, who were tasked with a number of drills and given tips to improve their skills.

The session attracted dozens of youngsters (Image: Archant)

Born in Ashington on October 11 1937, Charlton played in the World Cup final alongside his brother Jack, who died aged 85 in 2020, and won 106 caps for England, scoring 49 goals.

He was knighted for services to football in 1994.

Were you among the many youngsters to take part in the Bobby Charlton Soccer School when it visited the former Thurleston High School? (Image: Archant)

Participants were set a number of drill activities (Image: Archant)