Selhurst Park, the scene of so many Palace highs and lows, will be expanding next season - into a seat of learning.

Soon teenagers will be able to develop literacy and numeracy skills in the shadow of their football heroes.

The new Croydon initiative sees CPFC teaming up with Croydon Education Authority and Croydon Business Trust to provide 10-14 year olds with a study support centre.

Organisers hope that the passion and enthusiasm the Eagles inspire on the pitch can be passed on to provide the fuel for after-school study in the borough.

The Crystal Palace Study Support Centre will be open next autumn between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays and at the weekends and during the holidays offering sessions on internet access, IT training, as well as the fundamental `three Rs'.

David Carter, Principal Inspector of Croydon LEA, told the Guardian: "Groups from junior and secondary schools will follow a planned course of work with particular reference to literacy and numeracy."

The location of the centre will not be lost on the youngsters. Football, and the Eagles in particular, will provide the context for much of the learning. There could be maths based on match stats, writing projects for the fanzine or geography study looking at England's international opponents.

Each group of 15-20 students will follow a two hours-a-week, 12-week course held in a refurbished lounge in the stands.

Mr Carter said: "We just about hope to cope with every school taking one term each."

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