Hockey is Childs play

New Zealand striker Simon Child has played a key role in success of his team

Mihir Vasavda. Chandigarh

It takes a special talent to back up brave words with deeds. On that account, Simon Child is indeed a special talent. At 16, Child was the second youngest player to represent New Zealand and a young, raw talent then has turned to a ferocious striker over the last four years.

So much so, that the now 20-year-old holds the record of scoring the most number of goals in a single match — 11 against Papua New Guinea. The record embarrasses him but still he feels privileged to have it to his name. “It was an embarrassing match,” Child said. “It was one of those rare matches where we were waiting for the hooter to sound,” he adds.

With a great sense of anticipation and strong will to take on the rival defense, Child has played a instrumental role in the recent success of the Black Sticks.

Despite scoring 67 goals in 88 matches, Child says he likes defending as well. “Thats mainly because I dont want the other strikers to break my record,” he chuckles. On a serious note, he adds, “The role of defenders is tremendous in a game like hockey. There is constant pressure on them to defend.”

So does he count the number of goals he scores? “I cant help but count the goals I score. Scoring is my job and rather than depending on others to tell me how much I score, isnt it better that I keep a track of it?” he said. “I have kept a ratio of scoring one goal in every two matches. Thankfully, I have managed so far to better my ratio consistently.”

Child says though New Zealand have come a long way in hockey during the last few years, they still need to work to pose threat to the Europeans.

Child will be a part of the New Zealand under-21 squad which will play in the world cup later this year. Paired along side European giants Netherlands and Spain, the 20-year-old from Auckland says New Zealand have their task cut out. “The junior world cup will be tough. We are placed in a very competitive group and we will have to play out of our skin to go through the group stage,” he said.