Never Say Die Matildas follows the Australian Women’s Football Team during a rollercoaster year in which, against all odds, they become one of the nation’s most successful sporting teams. 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, the resilient team, coached by Tom Sermanni, fought to the bitter end on the field and represented Australia with tremendous pride.

Women’s football is the fastest growing sport in the world, yet prior to the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007, the Matilda’s had only won one from sixteen matches at an Olympic and Women’s World Cup level. Their loss to North Korea in a qualifying match to play at the 2008 Olympic Games was a blow. The players were distraught and despite the condolences of friends and family, they found it hard to understand that “it’s only a game”. For these girls football is more than a sport, it is their life.

Never Say Die Matildas goes behind the scenes as the team prepares for their next challenge, the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007, and follows several key players on and off the field.

Melissa Barbieri is the first ever female 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 self-proclaimed “Soccer Chicks” depart Australia with high hopes. The program features 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.