A group of schoolchildren in Qatar recently discovered their inner Messi and Ronaldo thanks to skills tips from globally renowned football freestyler Séan Garnier, who also had some exciting news of his own.

Garnier, who is one of the few professional freestylers in the world, was unveiled as an official ambassador for the programme.

Garnier hosted four sessions with local freestyler Abdullah Abu Nahia as part of the Inclusive Generation initiative, which seeks to use football for the personal development of Qatar's children.

Garnier, who was crowned world champions in 2008, used the opportunity to showcase how freestyle can impart life skills to the children of Qatar.

He said: "Through freestyle, children of Qatar can learn discipline and respect. They can also have an understanding of their physical requirements such as nutrition. These are skills you can learn yourself by training. Freestyle is also a different code of football and uniformly accessible to all boys and girls."

He continued: "When you first see freestyle you think it's impossible to learn but after one or two minutes you pick up a few tricks. It's important for kids to learn that they can have their own style. The good thing about freestyle is that anyone can progress and find their own way to express themselves, trust in themselves and be included."

The students were also thrilled with their new found skills. Jacob, a fourth grade student at Newton International School, said: "I am a rugby player, but it was very easy for me to perform the tricks. I really liked what I learned and I look forward to doing more."

Anton, a fan of FC Spartak Moscow, said: "I learnt two tricks and I really enjoyed the session. I will practice them at home."

Starting in 2017, Generation Amazing will continue being delivered at Newton International School, among other schools in Qatar, on a weekly basis, this time adding a 13-week programme in schools using football freestyle as a key to achieve its goals for children in Qatar, such as teaching them the importance of universal respect cutting across race, region and religion.

Philip Warren Gertsson from the Philippines, Caitlyn Schrepfer from America and Abdullah Abu Nahia will also act as Generation Amazing ambassadors, spreading the values of the programme across the world.

Generation Amazing targets workers, schoolchildren and vulnerable youth. The programme is delivered primarily through three initiatives: Inclusive Generation, Healthy Generation and Green Generation.

Each is designed to address one of Generation Amazing's priority issues – vulnerability, health and wellbeing, and environmental awareness – thus enabling positive and sustainable generational change through football.