Today’s local derby between Tamworth and Pirates at Ken Chillingworth Oval won’t be just about the battle on the field with the club raising funds for Mates4Mates.

The charity supports current and ex-serving Australian Defence Force members who have suffered physical or psychological wounds, injuries or illnesses as a result of their services either in Australia or overseas.

It’s a cause close to club co-captain and backrower Andy Wynne’s heart.

He was deployed to Iraq in 2006/07 and Timor in 2008/09. 

He still has a lot of friends serving, and has lost friends.

Today is the brainchild of he and wife Kate, and they have been the driving force behind it, along with Mr Wynne’s fellow club captain Tim Collins.

“We knew about Mates4Mates,” Mrs Wynne said.

“Just after Christmas we saw Mates4Mates doing the Sydney to Hobart and he (Andy) said we need to do something.”

“We approached the club in February about doing it.”

“They said we can do it on Saturday.”

This year marks 100 years since the Gallipolli landing, and next Saturday the country will pause to commemorate what has become a defining moment in our history.

And while it is good to remember the Anzacs, Mrs Wynne said it’s also good to remember the guys still serving. The boys have organised special black and gold camouflage jerseys and socks to play in.

The jerseys will be auctioned off after the game.

Mrs Wynne said the response from local businesses and the community has been incredible, donating items to be either auctioned or raffled off.

All the proceeds will go towards Mates4Mates.

The local army reserves will also be in attendance and there will be Bushmasters and Light Horsemen on show.

There will also be face painting and a jumping castle for the kids.

Gates will open at 10.30am with first grade kicking off at 3pm.