With the bushfires affecting so many on the south coast in recent weeks, raising money for the victims took centre stage as an Albion Park City Invitational XI played the Wollongong Wolves.

More than 1400 people turned out to watch the clash, with all proceeds raised from the evening donated to those affected by the bushfires.

While a final figure is yet to be confirmed, organisers are confident donations exceeded the goal of $20,000.

Led by former Socceroo Luke Wilkshire, the Albion Park City squad boasted the likes of Scott Chipperfield, Steve Corica, Brett Emerton and David Carney.

With the Illawarra and wider football community uniting to support the bushfire appeal, Dapto Rural Fire Brigade Captain Andrew Toole said the money will go to victims who are facing a long journey to get back on their feet.

"It's a good way for the soccer community to be able to help out," Toole said.

"There's over 2000 houses that have been destroyed in NSW so far this year, those people need the money, they need to rebuild their lives.

"It's been great the way they've organised this event, bringing everyone together, showing their appreciation and getting to have a bit of fun and see what's going on.

"It's also pretty good and a bit of a fun event for us after all the pressures we've been facing since September, but also in the last couple of months down here, it's really good to see."

The match was eventually won by the Wolves, 6-3, their youthful exuberance proving too much for the unique mix of amateur footballers and retired stars that turned out for Albion Park City.

Read more: Football for Firies helping communities rise from the ashes

With many of the Albion Park City squad more than 40-years-old, Chipperfield said it was always going to be tough to hang with their younger rivals for the full 90 minutes.

"They're young and they had a great season, they won the NPL," Chipperfield said. "They're a great side, it was always going to be hard for us. We haven't been doing too much and a lot of us are on the better side of 40, but it was enjoyable.

"I'll be sore tomorrow, but it's worth it to come out with the guys, to catch up again after a long time and it's for a good cause."

The unexpected star of the evening was former Wests Tigers star Robbie Farah.

A keen Liverpool supporter, Farah showed his interest in the sport extends beyond his fandom, the hooker displaying his skills in almost 90 minutes of play.

The NSW and Australian rugby league representative's night was capped when he calmly slotted a penalty late in the match.

"Growing up watching the Socceroos and the A-League, I was watching guys like Sasho (Petrovski), Steve (Corica), Dave Carney, Scotty Chipperfield," Farah said.

"It was pretty surreal to come out here and share the field with them and have a bit of fun. At the same time it was pretty competitive, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"They gave me the penalty, I didn't want to stuff it up. It was nice to put it in the bottom corner."

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