Life Membership: Glenn 'Pook' Simpson (2025)

The Cronulla Sutherland Water Polo Club’s vision is to inspire and enrich the lives of the community through Water Polo. A nomination for life membership of the Cronulla Sutherland Water Polo Club embodies the values of integrity, excellence, and belonging. Glenn “Pook” Simpson has been a volunteer coach, referee, mentor, and administrator for over 20 years at the club. With a background initially in rugby as both a player and coach, Glenn has transferred his personal values and mission to our water polo club. He has served as a junior coach and juggled his own family and work commitments to make a significant contribution to the club’s junior programme.

Glenn commenced his formal association with Cronulla in the summer of 2004 as a volunteer junior coach and has gone on to coach every age group and team in the academy since, along with men’s first division and women’s second division. He has also served as a NSW Selector, Coach, Manager, Referee, and Schools coach during this time. Additionally, Glenn has volunteered his Sunday mornings for over 20 years, running his Sunday session at Sutherland Pool year-round. Although pool space and allocation have been challenges, especially in recent times, Glenn's steadfast commitment to the juniors at the club has remained unwavering, and this time slot has stayed constant.

Pook serves as the beginning of the journey for many of our players, and the cultural impact of his tutelage has been firmly felt throughout the club because of his contributions. In an age where volunteerism struggles, Glenn challenges this notion. The greatest gift one can give is time, and that is something Glenn gives unceasingly. His witty nature, positive outlook on the game, and determination for our members to have fun and play with a smile are qualities the club has learned much from. We, as current players and administrators, are grateful for his contributions. Regardless of the outcome of this nomination, we thank Glenn for his contributions and hope to have him around for many more years of service.

Nominated by: Luke Brbot