Never Say Die Matildas is an up-close and personal account of the passion, sacrifice and skill required by our best women footballers.

The show tracks their journey as the Matildas go from missing out on a spot for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing to making the quarter finals in the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007.

What the documentary reveals is that, for the Matildas at least, football is more than a sport, it is their life.

Melissa Barbieri is one of the the first females to play in a senior Australian Men’s competition. Goalkeeping for Victoria’s Richmond Eagles, Melissa cops a bit from the crowd but is committed to perfecting her game.

Her husband Geoff supports her every step of the way, and they are happy to put their plans for a family on hold.

Rising star Sally Shipard had to carefully balance footy with school, completing her HSC while playing for the Matildas overseas.

Sarah Walsh lives and breathes football and is delighted that her parents are making to trip to China to watch her play. Novocastrian Cheryl Salisbury is Australia’s most capped footballer. It is her leadership that is integral to the Matildas’ success and she provides some historical context throughout the team’s campaign.

The program features World Cup highlights from the Matildas’ games against Ghana, Norway and Canada and their quarter-final against Brazil.

The archetypal Aussie-battler spirit is embraced by the team as they constantly come from behind in their matches.

The filmmakers’ unprecedented access to the team through their historic journey gives the viewing audience a rarely seen insight into the lives of elite female athletes.

Never Say Die Matildas will screen on SBS on Saturday, June 7 at 9.30pm.