Siblings Scott and Jess Nagel aim to beomce only brother and sister in A-League and W-League

JESS and Scott Nagel have gone from backyard soccer games to the verge of being the only brother and sister playing in Australia's elite football leagues.

A DECADE ago Jess and Scott Nagel were playing one-on-one soccer matches in their Chandlers Hill backyard.

Now the siblings are on the verge of becoming the only brother and sister playing in Australia's elite football competitions.

Jess, 22, recently signed for Adelaide United's W-League side, while Scott, 20, has been training full-time with the Reds' first-team squad since August.

"It's a great feeling," Jess, a midfielder, says.

"We've been involved with soccer for such a long time that for both of us to reach this level it feels like a real milestone."

Jess began playing soccer aged 12 at Sturt Marion and has played for Adelaide City the past two seasons.

Scott first pulled on the boots as a seven year old at South Adelaide. He now plays at Birkalla.

Growing up the siblings recall backyard clashes where their competitive nature shone through. "We definitely broke a few windows and lights," Jess says.

"We would probably find a way for both of us to win."

Scott remembers the match-ups differently.

"When we were younger it was frustrating for me because Jess was bigger and stronger," the left back says.

"So I might have had a bit of skill but she would just knock me off the ball."

While this is Jess's first taste of national league soccer, Scott has played for the Reds' youth team for the past two summers.

They say the support of their parents, Anne and Russ, has been crucial in their success.

Scott remains hopeful of gaining a senior A-League contract, which would ensure the Nagels follow in the footsteps of siblings Richie and Dianne Alalgich, who played for United's men's and women's sides in 2008.

"We've both had setbacks … but we're both always there for each other," he says.

"It would be unbelievable for our hard work to pay off."