Our Rugby Development Programmes
Our aim is to grow the game in the region, through meaningful and relevant programmes across clubs, schools and colleges.
Learn more about them below.
Let’s work together
Club Connections
According to Sport England’s Active Lives Report, 29.0% of children and young people in the North East are doing fewer than 30 minutes of physical activity a day compared to the national average of 35.5%.
In 2021 we set out with programme partners Fusion for Business to make sure we reversed those statistics.
Club Connections aims to boost grassroots rugby participation while helping clubs and schools reduce energy costs. Over the last 4 years we have worked with 72 clubs, held 7 coaching events and had 13381 young people involved in match day activities.
Schools Connections
Create a tailored rugby programme for your school or trust with our Schools Connections initiative. Designed for both primary and secondary schools, sessions are led by our Community Development Officers who are fully NGB-qualified and old enhanced DBS-checks.
What’s included
• 45 hours of delivery (spanning 3 half-terms)
• Teacher training to enhance rugby education
• Invitation to the Schools Festival
• A signed Newcastle Falcons match ball
• A school fun day
• A player or mascot appearance
• 50 junior match tickets for a Newcastle Falcons game
• An article in the matchday programme
Let’s talk more about your school.
Rugby League Development Project
Our mission to grow rugby league in the North East focuses on expanding participation in new areas while strengthening the existing infrastructure of North East Rugby League (NERL) member clubs.
This is how we do it
• Community Club Support: We conduct operational “health checks” for each club, identifying strengths, growth opportunities, and available support. Club coaches and volunteers also benefit from a series of coach education seminars.
• Inspired by 9’s: This initiative engages non-traditional rugby league schools, encouraging them to participate in festivals and school fixtures, with the chance to attend a National I9’s festival hosted by the RFL.
• Lions Development Programme: Delivered alongside the Newcastle Thunder Academy, this open-access programme for U12-U14 players provides professional coaching at Kingston Park Stadium, that ultimately nurtures talent within the community game.
Rugby Union Development Project
The Rugby Union Development Project, run in partnership with Northumberland RFU, is dedicated to bridging the gap between school and club rugby across the North East. This initiative focuses on ensuring young players transition seamlessly from school rugby into local community clubs, fostering long-term participation in the sport.
By creating structured pathways and offering tailored support, the project helps schools and clubs collaborate effectively to retain young talent. Activities include coaching sessions, festivals, and workshops designed to build skills, confidence, and a sense of belonging within the rugby community.
Success stories, such as students transitioning from schools like Gosforth Central Girls to clubs like Northern FC, highlight the programme’s impact in growing grassroots
Women and Girls Rugby
We are committed to growing the game across the North East and Cumbria, inspiring the next generation of female players. Through targeted programmes, we aim to engage girls in rugby, retain their participation, and transition them into local community clubs.
Women’s rugby is experiencing unprecedented growth. In England alone, participation among women and girls has surpassed 40,000, with the RFU aiming to reach 100,000 female players by 2027 as part of its Every Rose 2021-2027 strategy. Globally, women now represent over a quarter of all rugby players, with a 28% increase in registered female players since 2017. The upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, set to break attendance records, will further inspire young players and leave a legacy for the sport.
Our Women and Girls Rugby programmes include:
• Project Rugby – Introducing rugby to underrepresented groups.
•Premiership Rugby Academy Camps – Providing high-quality coaching opportunities.
•Northumberland Rugby Union Agreement – Supporting local development initiatives.
•Tyne Met Girls Rugby Excellence Programme – Offering elite training for aspiring players.
• Falcons Match Day Festivals – Celebrating the game through community events.
Matchday Activity
Our Matchday Activity Programme offers an unforgettable experience for clubs, schools, and individuals at Newcastle Falcons home fixtures. It’s a unique opportunity to engage with rugby in a professional setting while creating lasting memories at Kingston Park Stadium.
What’s Included:
• Pre-Match Festivals & Coaching Sessions: Grassroots clubs, local schools, and individuals can participate in competitive rugby games and skill-building sessions led by expert coaches.
• Guard of Honour: Be part of the excitement by welcoming the team onto the pitch before kick-off.
• Mascot Opportunities: Walk out with the players and soak up the matchday atmosphere.
• Halftime Games: Play on the main pitch during halftime in front of a live crowd.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or fan, our matchday activities ensure everyone feels part of the action.
