Local Southern Branch Football Club players had various roles at the charity match and fundraiser at Ian McLennan Park, Kembla Grange.

Players from Southern Branch led the players out to the pitch for the celebrity match.

The likes of Luke Wilkshire (Socceroo and Wollongong Wolves coach) Brett Emerton (Socceroo), Scott Chipperfield (Socceroo), Steve Corica (Socceroo and Sydney FC coach) and Robbie Farah (NRL legend) took part.

Southern Branch players from under-nines to under 12 were chosen to represent the regions so heavily affected by the devastating Currowan and Morton Fires.

The young footballers walked onto the pitch alongside heroes of the game and stood proudly as respects were paid to those who had lost so much to the fires.

Thanks were offered to the firefighters and volunteers who sacrificed so much to protect many communities.

Over 2000 people attended and the final fundraising tally should reach the $30 000 mark and possibly pass it.

Funds raised will be given to the Salvation Army Disaster Appeal.

The Albion Park City Football Club (APCFC) was one of the main organisers of the event and president of the club, Adrian Arciuli, said the event was a great success.

"The idea was basically to try and give back to those affected on the South Coast regions. It's the least we could do after the devastation caused by the bushfires.," he said.

"Sport is a key pillar of society and is one of the many fabrics that keep us together."