The Football League has announced that Papa John's will become its official pizza partner from next season.

The move is the first into UK sports sponsorship by the pizza chain, which is the official pizza of the NFL in America.

"This is a partnership that will be really popular with fans. Like our clubs, Papa John's are located in towns and cities across the country and they will reach out to supporters with a range of promotions and tailor made offers," said the Football League's chief commercial officer, Richard Heaselgrave.

"We're delighted to be working with a growing brand that has a proven track record in sports sponsorship over in the US where it is a long-term partner of the NFL and a number of its teams."

The new Football League season begins on the first weekend of August.