Members of Staff

Members of Staff

We are governed by a Board of Trustees who oversee the work of the Foundation and meet once a month. The board includes :

Melanie Magee, Director of the Community Foundation

melanie.magee@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
0191 214 2810
07764933310

Following a degree in History at Newcastle University, Melanie went on to study for a PGCE in Primary Education. She joined the Falcons Community Foundation in 2004 as Community Education Officer, running the Tackle Learning Scheme, which utilised children's enthusiasm for playing rugby with advancing their Literary and Numeracy skills. Melanie has managed the Falcons Community Foundation since 2007.

Gavin Beasley, Community Development Officer

gavin.beasley@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
0191 214 2803
07764933290

Combining university studies in sport at Sunderland University with intensive training at the Academy, he made his first team debut for Newcastle Falcons on the 10th November 2006 against Harlequins. In 2004 he moved to play rugby at Tynedale in Corbridge helping them gain promotion into National 1.
In 2008 he toured America and Canada with the England Counties before returning to the Newcastle Falcons to work for the Falcons Community Foundation as a Community Development Officer. Following a recent trip to develop rugby in New York, Gavin has now developed his role within the Foundation to delivering high end coaching, clubs development, CPD and University Coaching at Newcastle University

Dan Simpson, Community Development Officer

dan.simpson@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
0191 214 2820
07764933309

Starting as an apprentice with the Falcons Community Team, Dan has quickly become an integral part of the Foundation. Dan focuses on schools work but also carries out club visits within the Community. Level 2 RFU Coach, Dan plays first team rugby for Whitley Bay Rockcliff and has recently been selected to play for the County.

Sam Shaw-Kew, Hitz Officer

sam.shaw-kew@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
07764933300

Sam comes to the Foundation from two years in Cumbria working for Young People's charity, Carlisle Youth Zone, who aim to provide positive activities for young people from areas of social deprivation. He returns to the North East Rugby family having spent two years as a Community Rugby Coach in County Durham and is still an active member of Ryton RFC. As HITZ officer Sam will be delivering a programme targeting young people at risk of exclusion and anti-social behaviour, introducing them - often for the first time - to touch and contact rugby. HITZ provides participants with the opportunity to access personal and social development programmes, educational support, vocational training programmes and workforce development Apprenticeships and volunteering opportunities.

The Falcons Community Foundation also contributes to and work alongside the RFU Community Rugby Coaches Roles and numerous occasional match day staff and volunteers. For more information on Rugby Development Officers and Community Rugby Coaches in your area contact: