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WHEN Oxford United spotted the talent of George Gilmore, little did they know he was just one half of a unique package.

The nine-year-old schoolboy was this year joined at the club’s centre of excellence by his twin sister Libby, making them the first brother and sister twins to represent United.

Now the Abingdon duo, whose mum Tina played for Oxford United Ladies for a decade, are both dreaming of careers in the game.

Libby and George, who attend Carswell Primary School and have a five-year-old sister called Freya, are both keen all-round sportsmen and both have a passion for watching Oxford United.

Dad Steve, himself a lifelong fan, said: “I’m extremely proud.

“They’ve done really well, and they’ve done it in a nice way. They’re both really supportive of their friends and each other.

“They’re extremely close. When they’re not together they actually get quite morose.”

Centre-forward George, who also enjoys tennis and golf, was spotted by Oxford United at the age of six while turning out for Radley and Abingdon United under-8s and has played for Oxford’s under-9s and under-10s.

Midfielder Libby is a keen gymnast and has represented Oxfordshire at tennis, but in May this year she suddenly asked to join a girls’ football team, and has not looked back since. She was recently awarded a contract with Oxford United’s under-11s.

Describing their styles of play, Mr Gilmore said: “They’re quite different. George has always been about his touch and control whereas Libby is really about her athleticism.”

Libby, who selected U’s stars Peter Leven and Ryan Clarke as her favourite players, said she would choose a career in professional football over any other sport.

Her mum Tina, who played in midfield before retiring when she fell pregnant with the twins, said: “I always wanted Libby to play football but she was enjoying playing tennis. Then one day she suddenly said ‘I want to play football’ and she’s really enjoyed it.

“I think it’s great that young girls now have got so many more opportunities to play football than I did when I was Libby’s age.”

George, who lists his favourite players as Michael Duberry, Leven and Simon Heslop, said of his sister: “We play together in the garden and she can give me a good game, we are very similar.”

He added: “I would love to play for a big team when I’m young then come back to Oxford United when I’m older.”