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15003-nq56vi-01Welcome to the website of the Newcastle Falcons Supporters Club

First of all, thank you for taking the time to browse our website.

The Supporters Club is run by the Supporters for the Supporters and as an independent body.  All decisions relating to the Club are made by an elected committee or the membership as a whole by way of Annual General Meetings. 

Hopefully you will find the information you are looking for, there are lots of links on the aptly named Useful Links page and also dotted throughout to point you in the right direction but if you want to contact us, have any questions or want to bring something to our attention please email by clicking here 

If you are more old school and prefer to talk in person you will always find some of us for a warm welcome behind the posts (at the back under the clock) in the South Stand at home games, or before games at the pre-match get-togethers in the West Stand Concourse  near the club shop. 

If you have not yet registered for membership with the Supporters Club, why not?  Further details can be found by clicking the Join Now! tab. Fees for the 2023/24 season are just £15 for a family membership for up to 2 adults and up to 2 children (under 18 years) living at the same address or £10 for an adult member.  Membership runs from the 1st August to the 31st July.

I have a theory that the majority of people think the Supporters Club is purely for those wanting to travel to away games and while that was the reason it was set up in the first place it has spread out from that single objective and has the potential for so much more as well as providing a vital link directly between fans and management through regular committee meetings. Personally I feel the best way I can support the Falcons is by being a season ticket holder and also a member of the Supporters Club.  Our “neighbours” Sale Sharks are probably in a very similar position to us…representing professional rugby union in football hotspots (and also a big rugby league hotspot for them), long journeys for even “local derbies” and as  clubs we probably face more week to week challenges than the other clubs in the Premiership so I feel we need really strong connections within the club and everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction. Obviously over the past few years many things have been mothballed but hopefully even in the current economic climate things can change and there can be more events and social activities. I usually go to games on my own (cue sad violin music) so I joined the Supporters Club as a way to get to know a few people and feel a bit more involved and try to play a bigger part in all things Falcons, so why not do the same? 

As always the Supporters Club is working with Newcastle Falcons to make sure that together we provide a great rugby experience at Kingston Park and at as many away games as possible.  

Monthly Prize Draw

We are pleased to announce that all Supporters Club Memberships (individual or family) will be automatically entered into a free monthly prize draw to win Falcons related prizes such as club shop vouchers, street eats “bolt ons”, signed rugby shirts, signed rugby balls. 
 
The draws will start in January (2024) and run each month until the end of the season in May.
 
Winning members will be notified directly by email as soon as possible after each draw and vouchers where appropriate will be emailed, but all other prizes must be collected in person from a committee member at a home game.
 
Unclaimed prizes will be raffled on the coaches run by the Supporters Club to away games with any proceeds going to future Supporters Club activities

January Prize Draw Result

The January Prize of 2 Street Eats “bolt ons” was won by  Colin Atkinson.

February Prize Draw Result

The February Prize of a Falcons hat was won by Pauline Rutter

Pre-Match Get-Togethers

Following on from the introduction of the free monthly Prize Draw the Supporters Club Committee are pleased to announce the introduction of pre-match member get-togethers at home fixtures starting with the Leicester game on March 29th.
 
The idea being to get a bit more social, get to know each other, talk all things Falcons, help develop stronger connections, a sense of community, belonging and involvement within the Supporters Club and the wider Falcons family. 
 
Also, to take any questions, concerns, ideas you have to pass onto the Falcons Management at the next committee meeting.
 
You will find us in the West Stand Concourse near the club shop so drop by and say hello.

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No Place For Hate

This is part of a statement from Six Nations Rugby, alongside its constituent Unions and Federations.

“There is no place for discrimination or hate, on the pitch, in the stands, online, within the sport, or in any area of society and the world we all live in, and rugby is coming together to take a stand”.

There is a bit more about this on the View From The South Stand page.

15003-nq56vi-01 Away Travel

Gloucester for the final game of the season (unless we are in the play offs…we can still dream!) is looking the most likely game to run a coach to from our remaining fixtures, details will appear here once known.

For those travelling to Exeter for the game on 23rd March and needing tickets or info click here

The game is being streamed live on PRTV, anyone wanting to buy the stream click here

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Next up at KP – Big Night OOT 4 – the Leicester game

Friday 29th Mar for information and tickets click here

 There is a revamped matchday experience this season at KP so to find out exactly what you can expect both on and off the field click here

15003-nq56vi-01 Season 23/24

Lots of changes in both the playing squad and coaching set up over the summer and even more changes now with the appointment of Steve Diamond. We added to our Argentinian contingent in the considerable form of Eduardo Bello but I don’t think there is any truth in the rumour we will be rebranding as Newcastle Pumas or Newcastle Jaguares, or that The Blaydon Races will be replaced by Don’t Cry for me Argentina, or that Lali Esposito will be blaring out over the PA at KP instead of Sam Fender…although I fully expect the Kingston Park area to be twinned with Buenos Aires!

I’m not sure who chose the blue and white (Argentina copy) away kit a few seasons ago but I’d like to get their opinion on which lottery numbers to pick as they can clearly predict the future.

It really had the feeling of a new era at the club and sort of does again with Steve’s appointment, which seems a great appointment to me, he is a seasoned Premiership performer, well respected, down to earth and very much a “what you see is what you get” type of person who also fully understands and appreciates the importance of the North in rugby and I feel that Sale and ourselves are very similar as clubs in the challenges we face so think he will be a great fit. Because of the break for the 6 Nations it gives him a bit of time to assess things and tweak a few things so that hopefully we can hit the ground running when the league games start again and have a good end to the season while at the same time putting things in place for next, great to have Scott Macleod back on board also to help with that so don’t miss out, come along, get behind the team and club and get involved as we all have a part to play.

Those of us who attended the Fans Forum have a much better idea of what went on at the club last season along with where we are hopefully heading, but maybe we need another Fan’s Forum or something similar before the end of the season? As always thanks to all those involved in putting on events like that, those who work behind the scenes as much as Semore, Matt and Alex who put themselves directly in the firing line, so to speak, I’m always impressed by how open and approachable and honest everyone at The Falcons is and I’m sure Steve will fit into that ethos perfectly.

As Matt said, we up here in the north east are often an easy target for the rumour mill, we are always first to be written off but we keep going and fighting and events like this help strengthen the connection between club and fans which is key to the future of the club in my opinion.

If you didn’t get to the event then have a look at the report on the Falcons site, click here to read it.

At the Fans Forum it was also announced that Friday nights will be the first choice for home games this coming season. Anyone who has ever been to KP under Friday Night Lights I’m sure will understand this choice as there can be a very special atmosphere and now with the new floodlights I can even see the other end of the pitch although if someone from the club could liaise with the Highways Department about not closing the A1 each night until I get home I’d be most grateful! We have to play to our strengths in all ways and take full advantage of any factors that give us an edge and hopefully more Friday night games can do just that but I fully expect some serious moaning about the cold from Austin Healey in particular if (and it is a very big IF) TNT (the new BT Sports) cover any Friday night games as he always moans about how cold KP is even on a sunny afternoon.

The 2nd choice for home games will be Sunday afternoon, possibly to avoid clashes with football in the area? or maybe it was something that came out of the surveys that were going around?

Alex Codling talked about making KP a fortress, as we know that didn’t work out but thanks to Alex for all his efforts and good luck in his future ventures. It is also something Steve Diamond talked about and it’s something I’m sure we can all get behind, somewhere no team wants to play and not just because “it’s a long way to travel” or “it’s cold up north” but at the same time somewhere every visiting player and fan remembers because of the atmosphere, this is our house and other teams need to know that.

It’s obviously still a tricky time for clubs and fans alike, after the huge hit of covid we now have what I think I’m legally required to call the cost of living crisis.  Even clubs like Bristol and Leicester  who have attracted some huge crowds and record turnovers have also seen record losses, I’d hate to think how many extra 50ps are needed in the meter just to put the new floodlights on (apologies to any younger readers who won’t have a clue what I’m on about and I don’t know enough about smartphones and apps to even attempt a modern day equivalent…so just ask your  grandparents) 

With a smaller league and therefore fewer games I had hoped we could have given the Premiership Cup and European Challenge Cup a good go this season (as well as climbing up the league table of course) although every other club were obviously thinking the same.  Both cup competitions threw up good fixtures and the European draw saw The Falcons in South Africa for what was their first competitive game on South African soil as well as French giants Montpellier and the in form Benetton visiting KP.

News on the Falcons website has been coming pretty fast so if you have missed anything hopefully the following links will be of some use.

To find out more about:-

Fixtures  click here

Season Tickets click here

Flexi-Memberships click here

Gallagher Premiership and EPCR Cup ticket prices click here

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Hospitality

It has long been my view that inter club connections are vital for our survival and growth so we have to support and promote all branches that make up the Falcons and appreciate what they all do and what a great job the hospitality and commercial side do, after all, without them we probably wouldn’t be in business.  Obviously the best way to find out exactly what they do and just how good they are is to try out hospitality so If you have something to celebrate then why not do that at KP, lots going on to enjoy both on and off the field.

Hospitality is “horses for courses” but the Falcons now seem to have all bases covered with a wide range of packages to cater for all and even the new Fanzone seen for the first time at the Caldy game with stands selling things like pizza, ice cream, hog roast alongside the famous bus bar…the food on offer could change game to game and there are plans for a stage and live music. It’s a great addition for match days so why not check it out, you will find it in the North West corner of the ground.

I think the new Street Eats packages which are also available as a “bolt on” to your season ticket on a match by match basis are an excellent idea and represent good value. Myself and a couple of friends who came up for the Saracens game tried this out so I’m speaking from experience. It’s a very relaxed, informal setting with a friendly atmosphere. The staff are welcoming and helpful and the 3 food options on the day (chicken curry, ribs, quorn chili) all great.  The chicken was really popular but I tried all 3 dishes (purely for research you understand and certainly not greed!) The quorn dish suprised me most, I don’t know about you but I’ve never had much luck with quorn in any form and it’s always been a bit bland so I was very pleasantly surprised and full marks to the chef. We shared a table with 4 visiting Sarries fans who were all very impressed, they had tried out various hospitality offerings at various Premiership grounds and would definitely come back, something they would not do at some of the other grounds they had tried. As for us, with middle bar access also included after the game it just added  something extra to the whole day so all in all Street Eats gets a thumbs up (which I understand is the highest form of praise these days). I’m not saying it made up for the result but it certainly helped soften it. Personally I prefer this more informal and flexible option but as I said it is “horses for courses” so I’m sure you will find something to suit you.

To find out more about the new Street Eats Hospitality packages click here

If you have any questions or require any further information about any of the hospitality packages on offer then email corporatesales@newcastle-falcons.co.uk

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Falcons Community & Newcastle Rugby Foundation

A special mention to those involved with the Falcons Community and Newcastle Rugby Foundation. Everyone associated in any way with the club can feel proud of the work they do and I’m sure everyone at the Fans Forum was impressed and touched by the presentation from Melanie Magee, ably assisted by Dave Shotton (Social Inclusion Manger Falcons Community) Reece Wray (Hitz participant) and David Wilson (Cast volunteer). The words life changing may be over used these days but certainly not in connection with the work the Foundation does, so if you are able to, buy some tickets on matchdays or contribute in any way you can in the knowledge that every penny is put to such good use and can make such a difference.

If you would like to find out a bit more about what exactly the Community and Foundation do then please follow the links below and check out the videos.

RUGBY+ video: RUGBY+ – YouTube

 

Build belonging: RUGBY + ~ Build Belonging! – YouTube

 

Grow Skills: RUGBY+ – Grow Skills – YouTube

 

Boost Wellbeing: Rugby+ ~ Boost Wellbeing – YouTube

 

Raise Involvement video: RUGBY+ ~ Raise Involvement – YouTube

15003-nq56vi-01   Supporters Club AGM

The AGM was held on Wednesday 2nd August in the Classroom, Tap and Tackle Bar, Kingston Park.

A small group braved the “summer” weather to attend and even manged to move enough ducks from the car par to actually park.

Another chance for  me to see yet another part of the stadium I had no idea existed. It’s many years since I was in a classroom but luckily this time there was no detention involved.

Colin Edge played Headmaster for the evening, ably assisted by prefects Keith Evans, Emma Lane, Lynne Crowe and Gillian Watson. A special mention and thanks to Emma who is stepping down from her role as Social Secretary. The past few years with all the restrictions and regulations around covid, the resulting economic situation along with all the upheaval at the club have meant that the social and events side of things have been especially difficult resulting in the majority of Emma’s plans over the past few years unfortunately being derailed. It struck me that we shouldn’t leave it until someone steps down before we thank them, all the committee give their time and energy to the Supporters Club and I’m sure it can be very heavy going and a thankless task at times. I think we are all a bit guilty of just “expecting” certain things at times without really understanding exactly what is involved in making those things happen so thanks to everyone involved in running the Supporters Club for all your time and efforts, all much appreciated.

With any club there is a certain amount of procedural stuff to get through, hence the AGM but it also gives a chance to raise other matters. Keith explained about coach selection for away travel and it was also mentioned that with the demise of Worcester and Wasps in particular that two of the nearer and more likely destinations for trips to away games next season have gone, so some thought is needed as to possible viable outings next season. All travel plans will be posted on the site once they are known so check back from time to time.

Flags were discussed in the wider context of fans being more visable at games. Often at KP home fans can at times blend into the background, possibly as Emma suggested because of our predominantly black kit so colourful away fans tend to stand out and be noticed although as Lynne rightly pointed out, it is mainly at away games we need to stand out more, smaller numbers obviously therefore important for us to be visible especially to the team on the pitch, maybe also to the television cameras as there is little chance of that happening at KP…Colin suggesting that TNT (the new name for BT Sports) stands for Tyneside Not Televised, sad but true!

Actually the whole flag thing is a bit of a can of worms, who knew there were so many legalities? It is something for further discussion.

It was quite interesting to reflect on the minutes of last years meeting, a time of upheaval and change at the club and the new season approached with much optimism…hmm…spot the difference? 

Let’s hope there is a real difference this year, the changes for this season have cut far deeper and it really isn’t just a cosmetic make over to paper over the cracks. It has been a difficult few years for rugby in general, difficult for The Falcons and difficult for the Supporters Club but we are still here so here’s to not just regaining lost ground but seeing real growth and progress across the board and of course here’s to finishing the league season with all 10 teams.

15003-nq56vi-01   Rob Andrew

A warm welcome back to KP for Falcons legend and honorary supporters club member Rob Andrew. I’m not 100% sure of his role but from what I’ve read, I don’t think he is either (or Semore or Matt come to that) but I’m sure he will be a valuable and useful addition. Usually honorary roles come with some kind of ancient perk such as grazing rights for your sheep so I hope Rob has remembered we have an artificial pitch and isn’t banking on the grazing!

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Chris Lishman Photography

A special mention and thanks to Chris who takes all the matchday photographs for the Falcons and supplies us with any photographs we need. These really brighten up and add interest to our website, it would look very different without them so thanks again Chris.

I’m not sure what has happened to the photo galleries from each game on the new Falcons website, if anyone knows where they are please let us know but you can find them all on Chris’ website, where you will find not just sports images but some great landscapes from the whole of the north east, well worth a look.

To get to his website click here