Young Neath fans in business at The Gnoll

The youngsters say their stall is attracting fans of all ages.

Two young rugby fans are profiting through their support of Neath RFC.

Jack Tomlinson, 14, and Gregory Hawkes, 13, noticed there was no one selling sweets, pop and ice cream when the Welsh All Blacks play at The Gnoll.

They have now opened their own kiosk catering for younger fans at home games which attract crowds of around 2,000.

"Calves' Corner" as it has been named in honour of Neath's mascot Brian the Bull is also a hit with some older supports due to its range of soup.

Deenna Barton, Neath's commercial development manager, said the boys started the little business with their own money.

They liaised with builders and an electrician and have a small hut built at the ground to base their operation.

It's gone down really well with all ages because we sell soup as well Jack Tomlinson

They have also negotiated with suppliers to bring in new lines and they have implemented their own stock control system.

She said in lieu of rent they hand over a percentage of their profit from the football, rugby union and rugby league games played at the Gnoll.

Jack said: "We were watching games and realised there was nowhere for young fans.

"It's gone down really well with all ages because we sell soup as well."

He said on their busiest day so far this season they took over £100.

Realities and responsibilities

But they don't miss out on supporting their team who currently top the Welsh Premiership.

"When it's quiet we just stand out the front watching the rugby - it's only really busy at half time," added Jack.

Ms Barton said: "When the boys came to us with their idea, we thought they showed fantastic enterprise.

"They work very hard at it, earn themselves some extra pocket-money and learn the realities and responsibilities of the commercial world at the same time.

"We are so proud of them that we are thinking of nominating them for a young entrepreneur's award."

Business skills appear to come easy to the Hawkes family as Gregory's younger brother is one of the club's most successful match day programme-sellers.

"Mason is only 11 and he is a very persuasive salesman," added Ms Barton.