A Scotsman in South Africa

Scots healthcare specialist Samuel Mayer, 30, from Edinburgh is part of the Grassroot Soccer programme in Africa which helps children whose lives have been affected by HIV and Aids. Set up in Zimbabwe in 2002, the scheme has now expended into 17 African countiries.

Samuel Mayer with some of the children Grassroot Soccer is supporting

The children are given knowledge, life skills and support to stay HIV-free, as well support to manage their condition if they are are infected. The nations passion for football has been harnessed to give hope to children living in difficult circumstances.

Samuel Mayer, attended the opening ceremony and other matches with some of the children he works with as part of the scheme. Sticking to his Scottish roots - he wears his trademark kilt to every game.

He said: "The kids I'm looking after are from rural communities in the area. They are all affected by HIV - Some may be infected and others may have family members who are infected.

"These are very poor communities, and the children don't have a lot of hope in their daily lives - but they are obsessed by football. They grow up loving football and play wherever they get the chance, sometimes in bare feet with a makeshift ball.

While the experience of watching world cup matches will live with them forever Samuel points out that the scheme doesn't stop with the end of the world cup

"The programme doesn't just come for a few weeks and then leave the children behind. Our football coaches are often leaders in the communities and some play for local teams so they are looked up to."

He said: "The kids love my kilt - they take one look at it and shout 'Scotland, Scotland'. Some call me William Wallace, and one even pointed at my kilt and shouted 'Ally McCoist'. It's a great ice-breaker with the children."

If you're a fan of footie and tartans take a look at which competing countries have their own tartan, including South Africa, Japan, Australia and many more!