Over 150 applications have been submitted in the search for a 'Charity of the Year' to partner up with Leeds United for the 2018/19 season.

The deadline for submissions is now on Wednesday 4 July at 5pm, all entries will then be looked at by a panel of staff that will create a shortlist of charities.

Those shortlisted will be contacted by the Club no later than Friday 13 July to arrange a date for a presentation at Elland Road where they will get the chance to present any ideas they have for the partnership and be able to give us more information regarding the charity, its background and its aspirations.

Once all of the presentations have taken place a final decision will then be made as to who will become our ‘Charity of the Year’ ahead of the new season.

Angus Kinnear, Managing Director at Leeds United, has said: "On behalf of the Club I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has submitted an application so far, it has been fantastic to see so many organisations hoping to partner up with Leeds United.

"This is going to be an exciting project to work on throughout the 2018/19 season and we look forward to meeting with those shortlisted and announcing who will be our 'Charity of the Year' shortly."

The year-long campaign will see the Club along with the Leeds United Foundation create a special relationship with the chosen charity that will enable us to help increase awareness around the charity, what the charity does and how others can get involved, whilst also having a significant impact on fundraising efforts and supporting with any integral events or projects.

Between the Club and the charity, the aim would be to create a lasting legacy for those who benefit from the charity and those in the local community through a partnership of unity and togetherness. Not only will the fundraising element be beneficial to the charity but crucially the Club will also be able to deliver in terms of awareness and engagement, and creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Additionally, the charity will have the support of the Leeds United first-team players who will be available for visits throughout the season and also welcome special guests from the charity to Thorp Arch for behind-the-scenes tours and meet and greet sessions.

Given the amount of applications already received, unfortunately the Club will not be able to respond to all entries, therefore only those who are shortlisted will be contacted. Thank you again to everyone who has submitted an application.