When you sit down to catch up with Kyreece Lisbie to talk about the game he loves, it's very unlikely that you'll walk away from that conversation without understanding just how much football means to him. It's in the family.

His dad Kevin had a career with Charlton Athletic in the Premier League, whilst also featuring for Colchester United, Ipswich Town and Leyton Orient amongst others. Not to mention, Kyreece also has a twin brother, Kyrell, who is also trying to forge a career in the game.

The 18-year-old and his twin have been together on the pitch up until they both departed Watford this summer and Kyreece made the switch to join the B Team at Brentford. Kyreece has suffered his fair share of setbacks at other clubs but feels that the environment at Brentford could be perfect for his development.

“I don’t have words to describe how happy I am," explained the young winger shortly after signing. "The journey of getting here, I’m grateful for the opportunity that Neil (MacFarlane) has given me to come and play for Brentford B.

“I’ve faced so many rejections in my career. Leyton Orient, Colchester United and Millwall. I found my breakthrough at Watford as a second year scholar but unfortunately at the end of the season we (Kyreece and Kyrell) didn’t get a professional contract. I really thought I was going to get it so it was a really hard moment. Going into the office and to be told I wasn’t getting a contract was a really heartbreaking moment. I’ve found a way to bounce back and I’m so grateful for this opportunity."

After departing Vicarage Road, Kyreece linked up with The Bees for a trial period which culminated in getting game time as a Trialist in Brentford B's pre-season win over Salisbury. The new B Team recruit is aware of what he has to do and will stop at nothing to keep pushing and continue to make his family proud.

“I just want to work hard, on the ball and off the ball. I know what it feels like to not be at a club and not have anything so every time I step on the pitch I am so hungry," explained the youngster. "I have to make sure that every time I step on the pitch that I’m representing my family. To see my mum and dad smiling in pictures with me, it’s why I play football, for moments like this. It’s what drives me after so many rejections in my career. I’m going to make sure that I work even harder than I was before and we’ll see where my career goes."

Kyreece earned game time with Cray Valley in non-league to expose himself to men's football at an early age. He learned traits that will serve him well at Brentford B, with the young group often coming up against sides who are older.

Elaborating on his past experience, Kyreece said: “To be exposed to semi-professional football at such a young age, being the smallest on the pitch, I couldn’t speed past people because I’d get barged off the ball. It was a hard transition so I had to adapt. It was a big turning point in my career, to be able to play against men and learn how to handle myself and make the right decisions. You can’t always tap it round people, you have to use your brain so that really developed me."

Kyreece's career has been supported every step of the way by his dad, Kevin. After each setback his father has been a key figure in picking him up, giving him guidance and training as he sets about achieving his dream.

“I don’t know where to start with my dad. Sun, snow, rain, my dad was there. He has given me so much, the tough talks, it’s like something out of a movie," smiled Kyreece.

"The amount of effort my mum and dad have put into my career is incredible. Any type of weather, my dad was training me and my brother so for him to see the hard work paying off is great. My mum would come to every single game you could think off. If it was two hours away I’d have to tell her that she doesn’t need to come but she’d still be there in the stands. I’m so grateful for what they’ve done for me and I hope I will be able to repay them."

So, now a member of the B Team for the 2022/23 season after agreeing a one-year deal, the season is very much an opportunity for the youngster to continue to develop in a programme which excites him because of the range of experiences. Added to that, in Neil MacFarlane Kyreece is aware he has a Head Coach who will push him to become the best player that he can be.

He continued: “I’ve heard about the chances to go on tour, which I’m really excited about. Neil is such an amazing manager. When I first came in I thought I would be the fittest here because I’m always running. I went to the track day and I was leaning over the edge (of the railings) but it just showed that, even in the short week I’ve been here, Neil has managed to push me past my limits. I thought I was good, I thought I was strong but Neil has managed to break those limits that I’d previously set for myself. We had one more lap to go round and I went up to him to say that I have nothing left and I can’t do it. He just kept telling me that I can do this final lap. I thought I was finished but I made myself do it and went round and completed it. Working under Neil, I also know I’m going to improve technically as well as physically and I can become a really good player."

There is something about Kyreece which encapsulates many young footballers up and down the country and right across the globe. He'll be the first to admit that he dreams of pulling on a shirt and gracing the Premier League- and how he'd love to do that with The Bees.

“Walking out of the station to the ground, I imagine coming off the bench in a Premier League match. The gap between the B Team and the First Team is small and the opportunity is there. I keep imagining, ‘what if I come off the bench?’ It’s possible, it’s doable, and I really do hope I can come on for Brentford one day because it’s an amazing club, with an amazing stadium and amazing fans. That’s my dream."

The youngster also boasts a quite impressive following on social media. Along with his twin he regularly documents some of his football experiences over the years, as well as how hard he works to keep himself in shape- not to mention the fun side of social media too with impressive dance celebrations. At the time of writing, Kyreece is just shy of 300,000 followers on his TikTok platform.

“I can’t really put into words what TikTok has done," laughed Kyreece. "Seeing all of my young supporters supporting me is really helpful. I posted about leaving Watford and there were so many nice messages. I didn’t even know where in England I was (when he played against Salisbury) but there were still supporters there which was amazing! I can’t thank them enough."