Young people in Woodford Green took time during their half term to try and learn the football skills that made Lionel Messi and Spain the best in the world.

Pupils returned to St Aubyn’s School in Bunces Lane, Woodford Green, on Friday despite being on their holidays to take part in an all-day training session.

It was run by Coerver Coaching and 29 children aged between seven and 12 took part in “play like Messi” and “play like Spain” lessons.

They learned ball mastery skills so they might one day emulate the Argentinian forward considered by many to be the world’s best player.

And in the afternoon, they concentrated on possession and receiving and passing the ball to develop the style of world and European champions Spain.

The school has set up a partnership with Coerver to run holiday sessions.

Coach Adam Batstone said: “One of the biggest problems in the country is a lack of technical skills.

“It’s an individual game in a team setting.

“We need players who can pass and receive the ball, shoot and run with the ball with both feet.”