The beautiful thing about the world game now is that it is very much being recognised as a game for everyone, males and females alike. Former NPLW player Lara Heric, a huge advocate for female football, epitomises this.

North Geelong Warrior's starlet, Heric has football running through her veins.

Bill Shankly once uttered the now famous words: "Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude.

"I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

These words are echoed by many around the world and 19-year-old Heric is part of an ever growing number of females who simply adore the beautiful game, the world game.

"Since I was a young child, football has always played an important role in my life," says Heric. "My passion to be involved in the game in any way I can, has never faded.

"Although my football career has never reached the professional level I used to dream about, the sport is still something I live and breathe."

Heric played NPLW football at Geelong Galaxy United in 2016 and 2017 before deciding to go back to the community level in 2018 for local club Geelong Rangers.

After one season at Myers Reserve, she decided to go back "home" to her childhood club the North Geelong Warriors.

"As NPL for women began in 2016, I saw this as an open opportunity to progress with my soccer career, so I played at Galaxy for a few of years," explains Heric.

"Despite all the great opportunities, people and memories I made along the way at Galaxy, there was still no club that compared to the culture and unity I felt being a part of North Geelong.

"I played at Rangers in the local competition in 2018 with my ex-Galaxy team-mates and it was fun, but my heart yearned for North.

"Therefore at the end of the 2018 season, I made a decision to return back home to play for my beloved North."

The Warriors are easily the most famous club to come from the Bayside region, producing the likes of Socceroos Steve Horvat, Josip Skoko as well as Croatian international Joey Didulica.

Former Melbourne Victory striker Laura Spiranovic also started out in the storied red, blue and white.

Heric's passion for her club but more importantly the game of football is easy to see. She credits the game for bringing a sometimes divided world together.

"Known for being the beautiful game across the world, it's incredible how football has the ability to paralyse yet rejuvenate cities and nations around the world, just for one single game."