Vale - Bruce Falson

Published Mon 23 Jul 2018

Yesterday, the Australian Water Polo Community were saddened to hear the passing of Bruce Falson.

Bruce was an integral member of the Water Polo landscape spanning over two decades and was recognised as one of Australia’s best womens’ junior coaches. Bruce helped shaped the Women’s Water Polo pathway program to the high standard that it is today. Affiliated with ACU Cronulla Sharks Water Polo Club, Bruce coached at a State and National level; servicing more than 15 years to the national junior’s women’s program. He was also a WPNSW life member for his significant contribution to the sport.

Bruce’s passion for the sport was excelled throughout his coaching career. Bruce was responsible for the development of the NSWWPI Coach Education Program and in his time as Australian Junior Women’s Coach, he had only lost 6 games throughout his career; an incredible achievement. Bruce had an eye for spotting and creating talent through his coaching methods and certainly influenced the lives of women athletes who went on to have very successful careers.

A notable list of accolades throughout Bruce’s career included:

Winning two Junior World Championships (1999 – Messina, Italy & 2007 – Porto, Portugal)
Finished with a medal in every Junior World Championships from 1995 to 2007 (except 2003 – placing 6^thin Calgary, Canada)
Watching five members from the junior’s program — Taryn Woods, Gail Miller, Yvette Higgins, Jo Fox and Kate Hooper — win Olympic Gold in Sydney in 2000.

Bruce’s noteworthy contribution to the sport will certainly not go unnoticed to the entire Water Polo community.

Funeral Notice:

Date: Wednesday 1 August

Time: 12 noon

Venue: Woronora Sth Chapel

Drinks: Cronulla RSL

Teams that Bruce coached during his time heading up the national junior women’s water polo program:

Australian Junior Women’s Teams

World Championships