By The Falcons
July 12 2004

It's been a busy day in Falcon-shire, with three news stories coming out of KP. Record season ticket sales, the England 7s nominated players, and a new conditioning coach for the Academy, all stories courtesy of Falcons media manager Mark Smith.

Newcastle Falcons have announced record sales of season tickets, with eight weeks still left until the start of the campaign.

The Powergen Cup winners are enjoying extraordinary interest ahead of the coming season, with 2,245 season tickets already sold.

That surpasses last season's total of 2,196, which rose to 2,239 after Christmas sales of half-season tickets.

Newcastle Falcons' commercial director Mick Hogan said: "Once again the Falcons fans have shown their great commitment to the club by snapping up the season tickets in record numbers.

"Last year we achieved the biggest attendance increase in percentage terms right across the league, and interest in the club is still continuing to rise."

With season tickets for the refurbished Kingston Park stadium available from as little as £168 for adults and £90 for children, demand is increasingly high.

"We have had a lot of enquiries as a result of the big-name signings we've made in the summer, with the likes of Colin Charvis, Matthew Burke and Semo Sititi all adding to the profile of the club," said Hogan.

"On top of that we will have a fit-again Jonny Wilkinson, plus the bonus of Heineken Cup rugby, with the three pool games all included in the price of a season ticket.

"With some matches expected to sell out quickly, buying a season ticket is the only way for supporters to guarantee their place at Kingston Park, and the response we've been getting so far has been excellent."

To get your Falcons season ticket or to make an enquiry, call the ticket hotline on 0870 085 6060.

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Tait And Mackie Plotting Sevens Course

Newcastle Falcons have announced that Matthew Tait and Stuart Mackie have been put forward by the club for places in the England Sevens squad.

The 18-year-old Tait burst on to the Zurich Premiership scene with a spectacular try on his first team debut against London Irish at the end of last season.

Mackie, 19, has played hooker for England at Schools level, and, like Tait, for England Under-19s.

Both players have been named in the Falcons’ senior academy squad for the upcoming season, meaning that they will train full-time with the first team and be in consideration for senior matches.

Newcastle Falcons academy manager John Fletcher said: “Matthew and Stuart will go away to a training camp for a week to try and get a place in the Young England Sevens squad, which competes in the Henley tournament.

“From there they will be aiming to get into the full England squad for the IRB Sevens season, and they do so with the club’s blessing.”

Newcastle Falcons will also be entering a team in the London Pride Middlesex Sevens, which takes place at Twickenham on Saturday August 14.

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Newcastle Falcons have announced the appointment of Jason Smithson as fitness and conditioning coach for the club’s academy.

The 21-year-old also maintains a role as a player within the academy set-up, as well as playing at local club, Darlington Mowden Park.

Smithson has played No.8 for England at Under-16s and Under-18s, and has recently graduated with a Sports Science degree from Northumbria University.

Falcons academy manager John Fletcher said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jason to the coaching team.

“He will work under Steve Black and alongside Bob Morton in the fitness and conditioning structure, mainly with the junior academy players and those pressing for a place in the first team.

“In the short term, the fact that Jason is still playing will perhaps be a bit difficult, as he’ll be coaching guys who he’s played and trained with, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for him.

“Through our chairman, Dave Thompson, we like to employ from within the club’s structure as much as we can, and maintain the family feel we have here.

“Jason is an outstanding character, and we’re confident he will make an excellent conditioner.”

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You can read more information at Falcons' official site, www.newcastle-falcons.co.uk