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Welcome 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. 

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 2024/25 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. 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.  

Whatsapp Group

We have set up a Whatsapp group for all Supporters Club members as an easy and quick way for us all to keep in touch and up to date with what any members are doing. For example…Daniel Elsom has shared with us that tickets for the game against Bristol Bears at Ashton Gate at the end of January are now on sale and that he is looking at getting his tickets in the South Stand area S25. Should any other Supporters Club members want to see a friendly face at the game you now know the area you can find him. He also also keeping us updated about the Ospreys game as they share their stadium with Swansea City so the date and time of this fixture depends on the FA Cup draw as this takes priority…crazy I know!

All club members should have received an email about this already but if any missed it, or if there are any new members wanting to be included then let us know. (email by clicking here in the intro section at the top of the page)

Away Trip to Gloucester 26/10/24

Kingsholm is a fantastic stadium with great facilities and atmosphere, a favourite destination for the Supporters Club. A visit to Teagues pre-match, then into Kingsholm to soak up some of the atmosphere provided by the legendary Shed who although “slightly” biased and hostile to officials and visting players (ex players such as Alex Hearle in particular) are usually very welcoming to visiting fans. I think all rugby fans appreciate the efforts of all supporters who follow their clubs around the country. It’s a long day and a long drive back with the result and performance fresh in the mind, though this was broken up by us rescuing Novocastrians Ladies who’s coach broke down and stranded them at Woodall Services on their way back from playing Cheltenham Tigers. Why Cheltenham are in Championship North I have no idea but they are, anyway, we were happy to be of assistance. Full credit to Dimes and the players who even in defeat always make time to thank fans for their support and making the trip and are happy to sign autographs and pose for selfies although after her recent excellent reporting and appearances on the Fans in the Stand section of ITV’s Gallagher Premiership Unleashed Highlights Show I’m thinking it was Dimes and the boys who wanted their photos taken with Anna.

Thanks to Jonathon and Lisa for organising the quiz for the journey down which really helped pass the time even if it did show up glaring gaps in my memory and rugby knowledge in general!

Season 24/25 Matchdays

This isn’t the place for match analysis, there are reports and interviews from coaches and management on the main Falcons website so this is more about a supporter’s view of a matchday at KP as it really isn’t just what happens on the pitch that gets people through the turnstiles. Just look at last season with bigger crowds and great atmospheres in spite of the results, so, as a club we are getting a lot right, obviously we could do with that extra spark some on-field success would bring but I’m sure that isn’t far off.

I do have some real concerns about where rugby in general is heading with renewed talks of  a UK league or even an Anglo/Welsh league as there would only be room for 8 English teams and with us being out on a limb up here we are always first to be written off anyway. I get the impression it would just be more convenient for the league if we weren’t included, so, exactly the same as on the pitch we have to use everything at our disposal off the pitch to make sure we are indispensable, as the north always has had and always will have a vital role to play. I for one love being a thorn in the side of the league and the other teams and we all need to make sure that continues.

I’ve mentioned before about it being a very different world now so we have to offer more. This season with every game being shown live on TNT we still want and need big crowds at KP so we have to make coming out on a Friday night through winter an appealing prospect, so, as already stated it’s not just a question of what happens for 80 mins on the pitch.

The crowd has a huge part to play, not just for much needed revenue but I firmly believe we can be the difference…100% Falcons, we are a team, we are all in this together. I’m sure everyone has heard Dimes and others repeat these and they aren’t just glib remarks but something for us all to take on board. I doubt the word complacent is in Dimes’ or the clubs vocabulary and it can’t be in ours as fans eiher, Wasps, Worcester, London Irish and Jersey…need I say more.

I know Rebecca Thompson, Alison Carthy, Smithy and others continually review and change what they do and what the Commercial, Retail and Media departments offer so credit where credit is due. Obviously I know there are lots of people involved in anything put on and anything tried so it seems a bit unfair to only mention 3 people but I don’t know everyone involved in everything behind the scenes, however I do know that everyone at the club from those heading departments to matchday bar and security staff and of course the Cast crew are all valued, vital cogs in the Falcons Machine so thanks to all.

“you are never alone at the Falcons”  such a fantastic idea, something the Supporters Club is fully behind and hopefully all Falcons fans embrace, it doesn’t take much to say hello or ask if someone needs help if looking lost but things like that can make a big difference.  Although we want coming to KP to be like a day trip to Mordor as far as away players are concerned we also want to show what a great and friendly place it is to come as a fan. Hopefully new fans coming along will feel welcome and integrated into the Falcons Family and keep coming back. Visiting fans also, I’ve spoken to fans from different clubs who always look for the fixture at KP as it’s top of their list when it comes to away trips. I like to think it’s because of our northern hospitality and not because it has been a guaranteed 5 points! I suppose time will tell and we will see if the same numbers come when they have to make the long journey home with tails firmly between their legs!!

 

To read about the new meet-up point click here

New to rugby or new to Kingston Park? Take a look at the First-Time Fan Guide

I mentioned at the time it was introduced that I was a big fan of Street Eats (especially being able to add it as a Bolt On) and the Fanzone. It’s always good to see the Junior Falcons having a great time, who wouldn’t want to spend some time with Flash and hats off to those attempting the crossbar challenge as well as anyone who manages to catch anything from the Merch Cannon.

I honestly feel we have so much to offer on a Matchday, whether it’s full on hospitality, a beer and some chips or any point inbetween so come along, get involved and let’s really make a difference. There is far more on offer than a game of rugby to watch, a quick singalong to Sweet Caroline and a blast of Sam Fender over the PA.

Some photos from the Chiefs game, thanks as always to Chris Lishman (there is  link to his website at the bottom of the page)

Reflecting on Season 23/24.

Firstly,  a few thank yous are in order. To all club members, for being members. To Gillian Watson, Lynne Crowe and Keith Evans for their time and commitment in keeping things going with just the 3 of them forming the committee this past season.  To Chris Lishman for the use of his photographs. To Smithy for his help in promoting all things Supporters Club through the Falcons media and to Matt and Rebecca Thompson for all their time, help and support.

Obviously everyone is fully aware of how things went on-field and how we progress and move forward is a job for management and coaching staff and those who attended the talk-in have a much better idea of what to expect on the pitch. We already know the players and coaches who have left and those who have joined. I think we all know what Dimes is looking for in terms of players coming in and those that have moved to KP can be under no illusion of the battle they face but all seem fully up to the challenge and raring to go so I’m sure next season KP will be a “horrible place for visiting teams to come on a Friday night” and not just because of the weather or the distance.

We have to use everything at our disposal, if you are of a certain age and remember the football manager Malcolm Allison, if not he used to change the size of the pitch depending on who they were playing so if a team had good wingers he would make it as narrow as allowed  etc, I don’t think we can do that although have never understood why there is such a difference in in-goal areas? What we can do is really take advantage of our home games…Friday night atmospheres, the weather. The atmosphere at places like Gloucester is worth a few points and a few key decisions to them every game so we need to do the same.

There are always positives to take and a big positive has been the group of players who have been here for a while, come through together, that have joined the 100 games club and who now form the core of our squad.

Chick, Blamire, Brocklebank and Pepper were among the most consistent performers in the premiership week in week out. Redshaw and Radders (even with just one boot) have shown in glimpses, even when starved of possession just what they can do and our younger players are making great strides and establishing themselves not just in age grade but forcing their way into match day squads which is all good for the future, let’s hope the recent intake into the senior academy can go on to do the same.

Even though the results have made pretty grim reading the atmosphere at KP has in the main been brilliant and crowds have been increasing, all of which is down to all the work going in to the Match Day Experience.

It’s a very different world these days with lots of competition for people’s time and money. People “expect more” and we have to offer more than a beer and a pie although nothing at all wrong with that it’s just everyone needs to be catered for and not just in terms of food and drink. Retail is now far more than selling the odd replica shirt and media is no longer just about producing a match day programme so credit where credit is due and I think we all need to appreciate how the whole match day experience is a continually evolving machine and what great jobs the Commercial, Retail and Media side of the Falcons do…it’s not just on field performances and results that get people through the turnstiles but what else we offer also, to everyone.

No Place For Hate…No Excuse for Abuse

“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”.

If You…See it, Hear it, Experience it, then REPORT IT.

Flag A Concern:  speakup@newcastle-falcons.co.uk

Next up at KP 

Doncaster Rovers (Prem Cup) Sunday Nov 10th 3pm ko

   Talk In 10th Sept.

A really insightful and entertaining evening at KP. I think we all knew that Dimes is the very definition of “what you see is what you get” but I doubt many would have turned up expecting such an honest and open look at exactly what they have been working on and the goals for the season. I also think we knew that a major factor in the likes of Cameron Neild, Alex Hearle etc joining us was Dimes and that was evident in the way the 3 of the new arrivals (Cameron, Sammy and Alex) who drew the short straws (I’m guessing) and found themselves on the stage talked about him. A real shame Cam will be out for 2-3 months as I think he fits the “Dimes Model” for a player perfectly and with our small squad will be missed but everyone that has come in fits the same model as do the core of players still at the club and it also gives someone else a chance to come in and show what they can do and we will need players to do that. Most of the evening is covered by the Falcons version of the official secrets act and some of the more shall we say “descriptive wording” is not for anyone easily offended so I’m treading very carefully as were the players when it came to talking about the “talent show” it seems “what happens in Penrith stays in Penrith” and “what is said at the talk in stays at the talk in”. There is Smithy’s official report on the Falcons website (link below) which is as well written as always so probably no need for this but I didn’t want anyone thinking the official version was written with rose coloured spectacles, it is a true reflection and would hope that everyone knows that glossing over things isn’t in the Falcons DNA. 

Thanks to all at the Falcons, not just management, coaches and players who gave their time but to everyone else involved in putting on and running something like this, it’s something Falcons do particularly well and in terms of what I took away from the evening was certainly the best I’ve been to so roll on the 20th and bring on Bristol and let us all remember we all have a part to play so come along and add your support and let’s send The Bears back on their long drive wishing they hadn’t made the journey.

To read the official report from the evening click here

   Supporters Club AGM

The AGM was held on 31st July at 19.00 in a classroom at the Tap and Tackle, Kingston Park.

The seemingly annual mix up of rooms almost saw members of our group taken onto the pitch for a Falcons Fit session, I’m not too sure if that was a subtle or even very unsubtle hint! Anyway, location sorted and things got underway chaired by Gillian Watson.

A small group of the Supporters Club faithful in attendance who as well as being some of the nicest fans around  certainly top the dedication  and loyalty charts in the country. It was also great to see one of our younger members in attendance as after all it’s the next generation who are the life blood of not just the Supporters Club but the Falcons in general.

As we know last season was a difficult one for the Falcons, actually not just last season but the past few and it has been the same for the Supporters Club so the annual reports  reflected that and maybe were a bit uncomfortable to hear in places but honesty and realism have to be paramount.

Colin Edge (Chair) had to step down just after the start of last season. Colin was always very humble about his role but he was a real driving force in the Supporters Club and his energy and knowledge and also connections/contacts are greatly missed.  We all wish Colin well and hope to see him back at KP at some point.

I mentioned at this time last year when Emma Lane stepped down that we shouldn’t only thank people at that point but appreciate what they do all the time so a big current thank you goes to Gillian for stepping into the role of Chair and also to Lynne and Keith for all their efforts in keeping things together and going last season in difficult circumstances with only 3 committee members.

We aren’t a business, don’t produce anything, don’t have endless supplies to give or raffle yet we still have to navigate the post covid world, current financial situation and rocketing prices of things like coach hire. All members give their energy and time for free and it’s worth remembering that just as much time and effort goes into ideas that don’t come off as those that do. I was co-opted onto the committee last season so only have  limited experience of what people like Emma were up against in trying to organise events, the words head, a, bang, brick, against, wall and your spring to mind, I’m sure you can arrange them into a well known phrase.

BUT…like The Falcons we are still here so it is not all bad news and that is in fact a big positive so we need to focus on that and keep trying to take the Supporters Club forward and see just what is possible.

To see the committee members for the coming season please head to the About Us Tab and pick Committee Profiles from the drop down menu.

Thanks to all members for their continued support, if there is anything you need to bring to our attention then get in touch by email (click here button in the intro section at the top of the page) or find one of us at a home game.

   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!

Chris Lishman Photography

A special mention and thanks to Chris who takes all the matchday and event 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