Back five forward Tim Swinson believes team spirit is better than ever at Kingston Park, as pre-season intensifies ahead of the new Aviva Premiership campaign.

Swinson, 24, who scooped the club's Player of the Season award last season, has been impressed with the dressing room atmosphere since returning from his summer break in America.

And the London born powerhouse insists his side are in no mood to languish in the lower reaches of the Premiership table this term.

"We've got a really tight nit group here, which is really good. We're a lot tighter than we've been in a few years," said Swinson.

"I think we've got a lot of competition for places, which is always good. It definitely makes your training harder when you are competing for places and it also makes you think of how to adapt your game," he added.

Consistency is key if the Falcons are to have a successful season according to Swinson, who added: "We have to play more consistently. Last year we had several games when we played very well but we were not competing with anyone in the league.

"We definitely need to focus on our consistency and play well together, getting time with the ball and getting more tries each week."

Swinson crashed over the whitewash twice during a bruising 2010-11 season in the black of Newcastle. With new skills coach Calum MacRae coming on board at Kingston Park, the versatile forward is predicting a quicker style of play with ball in hand.

"Having a skills coach will be really good for the forwards as well as the backs. I think our game will be more expansive as a result," said Swinson.

Newcastle host Leeds Carnegie on Friday 19 August (kick-off 7.30pm) with the club delighted to announce that kids (under-16) get in for free.

Tickets are priced £10 adults and £5 concessions.

Call 0871 226 6060 or click here, to snap up your tickets and get your first glimpse of the Falcons new signings in action.

Falcons Season Tickets are also on sale. Click here or call 0871 226 6060 to get yours now!