As the Scotland team continues its campaign to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa the Tartan Army Children's Charity, TACC, and Oxfam Scotland are joining forces to ask Scotland fans to back an Oxfam project there.

TACC aims to raise £60,000 to support Oxfam and its partner 'Let us Grow' who work with vulnerable children and orphans in South Africa, giving them a better standard of living, a chance of education and access to healthcare. The Scottish Football Association is helping to kick off the venture with Scottish FA Chief Executive, Gordon Smith, presenting a cheque to TACC, their official charity.

It is estimated that there are around 2 million vulnerable children in South Africa, half of whom have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Many children do not have birth certificates and so are not entitled to social grants; others are not even aware they are entitled to assistance. Oxfam and its partner 'Let us Grow' work with children who live near Johannesburg to make sure that they get the help and support they need to better their lives in the longer term.

Gordon Smith, Scottish FA, Chief Executive said," I am delighted to give my backing to the Tartan Army Children's Charity and the work that they have been doing around the world. By going into partnership with Oxfam Scotland they are ensuring that children in South Africa are getting the chance to have a better life. Supporting Oxfam's work in South Africa is something that I think is really worthwhile and something that all Scotland fans will be proud to get behind."

Carey McEvoy, of the Tartan Army Children's Charity added," We are determined to leave a meaningful legacy when we hopefully visit South Africa in 2010. As this would be Scotland's first major finals for over a decade we're confident that supporters will get behind this campaign with their usual enthusiasm and generosity.

I think that the work that is being done by Oxfam in South Africa is really valuable. Giving children the help they need that has long-term results is very important and that is what the work that is being done there is all about. As Scotland supporters we try to give something back to all the countries we visit I want any money raised to have an impact on the children's lives not only in the run up to 2010 but beyond that. "

Giving her support Shehnilla Mohamed, South Africa's Country Director, commented," The 'Let Us Grow' and Oxfam partnership is important because it gives vulnerable children a better standard of living, a chance of education and support regarding their health. Many of the children are orphans so they need someone to be there for them.

" I wish TACC and my colleagues in Scotland all the best in getting behind the work we are doing here and we hope to see the Scotland team and their fans in South Africa in 2010! "

ENDS