Falcons fly around region for 2017 Player Blitz
Newcastle Falcons players took to the road on Sunday as the annual player blitz of community clubs across the region took place.
Less than 24 hours after opening their European Rugby Challenge Cup campaign with a bonus point win over Dragons at Kingston Park, 18 clubs across the North East, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders enjoyed visits from members of the Falcons squad.
Joining in with their host’s regular Sunday morning coaching activities, the players in attendance engaged with close to 2,000 players from age groups from mini’s up to colts and, at clubs including Houghton RFC and West Hartlepool, with the burgeoning girls sections.
The blitz also allowed for four members of the squad to return to their original clubs, as Brett Connon and Chris Harris returned to Carlisle RFC while Adam Radwan and Craig Willis headed back to Billingham RFC.
Part of the Falcons’ club connections initiative, the blitz offers the first opportunity of the new season for the club and its players to connect with the grassroots rugby community, with Sunday’s efforts reaching as far away from Kingston Park as Kendal and Langholm.
Club Connections is designed to foster closer relations between the Falcons and the region’s grassroots community, with the Blitz Is the first event of the season that takes members of the squad out to these clubs.
With over 60 clubs part of the programme, Club Connections sees members entitled to a range of exclusive opportunities in recognition of their efforts in helping the Falcons spread the word of Aviva Premiership Rugby.
These include player visit to the clubs in addition to the Blitz, four tickets and signed Falcons items to use in raffles and auctions each season, a minimum of three club development nights and priority booking on festivals at Kingston Park.
Head of community Melanie Magee said: “Player Blitz is our first big connection of the season with our grassroots club and its again been a big success thanks to the volunteers at the club connection members and the Falcons squad.
“We’ve had players at 18 clubs this blitz, with every club connection club that requested we attend receiving a visit and the feedback we’ve received from them has been universally positive, with the young players thrilled to have had Falcons involved in their training sessions.”
For more details on club connections and how to get involved, email clubconnections@newcastle-falcons.co.uk
