Sounds original. The children could be the "Pokemon" that complete the course, but it'll make more sense to have them feel like they're the Pokemon trainers since trainers clearly need to be in good shape to travel and train.
But there is something like a Pokemon Master in the games. In the Diamond and Pearl versions, there's Champion Cynthia (female). Or there's Professor Rowan, the person that gives the main character their first Pokemon.
And there's my two cents.