Versatile Aaron hits the heights

TWO OF A KIND . . . Aaron Longley and his brother Joe (inset) are both making their mark in their respective sports.

SPORT-MAD youngster Aaron Longley has had a week to remember.

In the space of seven days, the talented 12-year-old won two football competitions, picked up three medals at an athletics event, including a gold, and collected an inter-club lacrosse award.

Aaron, who lives in Diggle and attends Saddleworth School, kicked off his silverware spree in the East Manchester Junior League plate competition.

A defender, he helped Stalybridge Celtic under-12s win the final at Curzon Ashton FC.

Aaron was then named players’ player of the year for Rochdale under-12s lacrosse team, who are the reigning national champions.

Stepping into his running shoes, he won the 1,500m at the Oldham Schools’ Athletics Championships, held at Radclyffe School.

Aaron also picked up a silver in the triple jump and a bronze in the 4x100m relay.

And there was still more to come. Swapping back into his football boots, he helped his Stalybridge Celtic team-mates win the under-12s section in the tournament they organised at Bower Fold.

After his week of success, one would have expected Aaron to put his feet up — but he was having none of that.

He was soon back in action — this time on the rugby league field where he helped Saddleworth School win the Year Sevens section in the Oldham Schools’ finals at Manor Park.

“As you can probably tell, Aaron just loves his sport,” said mum Claire. “He can do a bit of everything, but he will have to decide which one he will pursue in the future.

“He likes lacrosse and football the best, but that could change.”

Aaron’s older brother, Joe, also has a gift for sport.

He is in the Wales senior squad for lacrosse and is hoping to be picked for next year’s World Championships in Manchester.

He captained Wales at the under-19s World Championships in Canada last year, helping the team to finish in the top 10.

The 18-year-old played for Wales in the British Nationals in May when they won the plate competition.

Joe featured for England at junior level, but qualified for Wales through his grandfather.