A "dogged, hard working" right-half, who could also play at centre-half, Whitcombe began his football career with local side Grange Albion in 1921.

However, following the Welsh Senior Cup tie with Swansea City on 2 March 1925, which Cardiff lost 4–0, he was sold on to Stockport County of the Second Division.

He later appeared for the "Valiants" in the FA Cup Fourth Round clash with Arsenal, which ended in a 1–0 defeat at Highbury, following a 2–2 draw at The Old Recreation Ground.

Following the death of manager Joe Schofield, Vale won promotion as the division's champions under Tom Morgan in 1929–30; however, Whitcombe made just the one appearance throughout the season.

He moved to be player-coach to a works team in Ashton-under-Lyne called Ashton National Gas, before ending his football career at Colwyn Bay.

In the summer months, George played baseball for Grange Albion, one of Wales's longest-standing and most successful clubs.

During George's time at Grange Albion, the club enjoyed great success, winning the Welsh Baseball Union Cup in 1921–22,1923–24 & 1931–32.

[3][4] His first cap came at the Cardiff Arms Park Cricket Ground on 2 August 1926, when he fielded at 1st Base and opened the Welsh batting; he made 4 out of 94, and England scored 47 and 43.

Whitcombe's fourth cap came at The Police Athletic Ground on 11 July 1931, where Wales won 46 and 41 against England's 36 and 17; batting 11th, he scored 6 and 1.

His father, Frederick William Whitcombe, was a prizefighter in bare-knuckle boxing at Cardiff Docks, known locally as Tiger Bay.