He took the group through a session on backs attack and continuity, with Falcons academy coach Ian Peel giving a scrummage presentation while academy manager Richard Metcalf led a session on game sense as well as explaining how the Falcons academy structure fits in with the local school and club scene.

The day formed part of a Daily Mail-sponsored roadshow going round the country, with other presentations including refereeing and anti-doping issues.

“It is an important part of a professional club’s role to assist the community game at grass roots level,” said Fletcher.

“It builds firm relationships between the professional club and those within the region, and speaking to the teachers is an ideal way to reach as many people as possible because these guys will coach a large number of talented young players on a regular basis.

“Better coaching equals better players, which is in everyone’s interest at all levels of the game, including ours. We regularly conduct various ‘coach the coaches’ sessions throughout the year, and it is something we place a lot of importance on because we do enjoy excellent relationships with the clubs and schools in the north-east as their professional team.”