The Football League has launched a call for bids to become its official charity partner for the 2012/13 season.

Launched in 1888 the Football League is the template for football leagues around the world and with 72 clubs including Crystal Palace, Ipswich Town and Nottingham Forest, is the largest single body of professional clubs in European football.

The partnership opportunity offers full-page adverts in one issue of each of its member clubs' programmes; full-page adverts in the Carling Cup Final, Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final and three Play-Off Final programmes; the use of the Football League logo as the official charity partner, and a dedicated week of support at a home fixture during March 2013.

Help the Hospices is the current charity partner, while Marie Curie Cancer Care raised around £350,000 as partner in 2010/11 and Help for Heroes won the the bid for 2009/10 to raise £500,000.

Charities have until 7 November to submit their pitch outlining how their partnership would have a positive impact on the league's 72 member clubs, their fans and their communities. A shortlist of 6 will be chosen and submitted to the Football League Board for approval before being voted on by Football League staff, Football League clubs and their fans via a public vote at www.football-league.co.uk.

Submit applications by email to [email protected] or by post to Official Charity Partner Application, the Football League, 30 Glocester Place, London, W1U 8FL by midday 7 November 2011. 

The winning charity will be announced in mid-December.