U16 coach Barry Lewtas took his team to the East Midlands to give them an insight into university life, highlighting the opportunities available to those that don't make it as a professional footballer.
After a tour of the campus, the youngsters were then given a presentation by Mat Stock, football programme coordinator from Loughborough University, before taking on Palace's U16 side in a friendly match which finished 2-1 to the Reds.
On the visit to Loughborough University, head of education and welfare Phil Roscoe said: "It was brilliant for the lads to have been given an opportunity to tour the university, gaining an invaluable insight into the endless possibilities of further education should they wish to go down that career path.
"It was a real privilege for both ourselves and Crystal Palace to have been given such an in-depth preview of university life as well as taking a look around the unbelievable sporting facilities the university offers."