"I knew I'd be in with a chance because not many had played for their country while still at school. So I had a hunch, but it was really good recognition for hockey and all the hard work that I had put in," says the 27-year-old striker.
He recalls former league star Tawera Nikau making an inspirational speech at the awards night.
Child has enjoyed seeing King's achieve in hockey, with several Auckland titles and two Rankin Cups since he left school.
"They've got a strong programme and good hockey culture, with some good coaches, and it is an advantage having that turf," he says.
Now his hockey thoughts are trained on October's Oceania Cup tournament in Taranaki. It looks likely that the Black Sticks will have to beat Australia in the final to qualify for the Rio Olympics, which would be the captain's third visit to the world's largest sporting event.
Before then he will turn out for Auckland in the National Hockey League, something he hasn't done since 2011. In between times the 243-times capped Black Stick is plugging away in a shirt and tie for the first time as an investment sales broker for Colliers and playing club hockey for his old Southern Districts club. Home is Alfriston.
Child has packed plenty of hockey into his career thus far, with winning stints in the Dutch and Indian leagues his highlights outside of international play for New Zealand. But it's far from over just yet.
"I've had a great time, but I've still got a lot of goals to achieve in hockey."
