The Football League has confirmed that Help for Heroes will be its Official Charity Partner for the 2009/10 season. Founded in the summer of 2007, Help for Heroes raises funds for all members of the Armed Forces injured whilst serving their country.
Chosen following a vote on the official Football League website, the charity was picked by football fans from five short-listed candidates.
The Bobby Moore Fund, Care of Police Survivors, Everyman, Marie Curie and Help for Heroes all went head-to-head in the week-long vote which saw a staggering 25,000 fans nominate their favoured organisation.
The top two causes were then passed to the League Board who made the final decision to choose Help for Heroes.
"I am delighted to have Help for Heroes as our Official Charity Partner," said Football League Chairman, Lord Mawhinney.
"The Football League is dedicated to helping good causes and the work done by Help for Heroes is hugely relevant to our lives today.
"The Football League's unprecedented reach across the UK will assist Help for Heroes to raise awareness, funds and provide Armed Forces with the opportunity to see live matches.
"Help for Heroes has always been an organisation that I and our clubs have supported in practice and I am thrilled that The Football League is working to help such a great cause."
As the Official Charity Partner, Help for Heroes will have an unrivalled exposure across The Football League, where clubs already have countless initiatives in place supporting the Armed Forces.
The partnership will add to this passionate work currently underway that includes fund raising and the provision of match day tickets for members of the Armed Forces and their families throughout England and Wales.
The Armed Forces will also be honoured at the prestigious Coca-Cola Football League Play-Offs Finals at Wembley with more than 300 troops receiving VIP treatment, including a lap of honour and a stadium-wide standing ovation before kick-off.
Help for Heroes co-founder, Bryn Parry said: "Thank you to everyone at The Football League. Your support will make a huge difference to some incredible Heroes.
"The Football League will help us provide direct and practical support for our injured service personnel. We may not be able to prevent our blokes from being wounded, but together we can help them get better.
"We wish you all the very best for the upcoming season and look forward to seeing you very soon. Thank you from all at Help for Heroes."
The huge response from fans has encouraged the Board to take the unprecedented step of naming Marie Curie, runner up to Help for Heroes, as the Official Partner for the 2010/11 campaign.