550 children, 12 pitches, 25 referees, 24 sets of tag belts, 15 balls and countless cups of coffee resulted in Europe's largest tag festival taking place at Kingston Park on Sunday March 7, prior to the Newcaslte Falcons vs Bath Guinness Premeirship Game.

Twenty-eight U7s competitions competed across 6 groups with Carlisle, Penrith, Novos, Alnwick, Barnard Castle, Northern , Billingham and Westoe Wasps making it through to the quater-finals.

The first semi-final was contented by Penrith and Alnwick with the Cumbrians coming out on top to reach the final.

Westoe Wasps were victorious in the second semi with a win over Northern A.

A closely contested final took place on the first team pitch at half time with Westoe narrowly beating Penrith 3-2. Both teams were presented with medals and trophies by Falcons stars Tom Cattrick and Filipo Levi and of course Flash the Falcon, wearing his giant sized t-shirt in support of Sport Relief.

Twenty-seven teams competed simultaneously in the U8s competition with Durham City, Tynedale B and C, Morpeth Monsters, Penrith, Sunderland and Percy Park Panthers and Pumas making it through to the quater finals.

Durham City and Sunderland managed victories over Morpeth and Tynedale C respectively to make it through to the finals. After another fantastic final, it was Durham City who came out victorious.

Peter Groak, Sunderland Team Manager, remarked: “Unfortunately our team were beaten in the final of the U8 competition, but still had a thoroughly enjoyable day and managed to play in front of almost 8,000 people. Most of them, myself included, will probably not experience that again, so it will stay with them for a very long time.”

Melanie Magee, Falcons Community Foundation Manager, said: “We had a fantastic day in the rare Kingston Park sun.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the participants, parents, coaches and volunteers who all worked so hard to make the day a great success.

"We also had 100 Try Dance participants performing at half time, Land Rover Cup Winners and a huge guard of honour which made for an amazing day for all involved in the community game. The noise from the North Terrace was brilliant and we hope lots of these supporters return to cheer on the Falcons for the rest of the season.”

Anyone wishing to find out more details on Falcons Community Foundation activities should contact melanie.magee@falconsfoundation.co.uk or log on to www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk and follow the community links.