Philip Jones, a true “great” in the history of British water polo, has died at the grand age of 90.
As a player, he was remarkable – a mighty forward for his club Cheltenham, capable of scoring with either hand. He was only 14 when he made his first senior appearance for Cheltenham; at 16, he won the first of many senior caps for England alongside his brother Jack, who went on to captain Great Britain at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics.
As a forward-thinking administrator, Philip was to have a tremendous influence on the development of water polo in this country. In 1962, he was one of a small group instrumental in founding the country’s first national league – the Premier Invitation League (later BWPL) – serving as its secretary for 13 years (1962–1975), then chairman from 1976 to 1982.
Many honours followed – president of Gloucestershire ASA, president of Western Counties ASA and, in 1996, president of the ASA. All this in addition to holding every position at various times in the Cheltenham club – it was only in recent months that he finally retired from the club’s general committee.
Philip was appointed England water polo coach in 1961 and served as GB coach from 1964 to 1968.
The League offers its condolences to Philip’s wife Shoena and family.
Philip's funeral takes place on Tuesday, 12 September, 3.30pm, at the Willow Chapel, Cheltenham Crematorium.
As a player, he was remarkable – a mighty forward for his club Cheltenham, capable of scoring with either hand. He was only 14 when he made his first senior appearance for Cheltenham; at 16, he won the first of many senior caps for England alongside his brother Jack, who went on to captain Great Britain at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics.
As a forward-thinking administrator, Philip was to have a tremendous influence on the development of water polo in this country. In 1962, he was one of a small group instrumental in founding the country’s first national league – the Premier Invitation League (later BWPL) – serving as its secretary for 13 years (1962–1975), then chairman from 1976 to 1982.
Many honours followed – president of Gloucestershire ASA, president of Western Counties ASA and, in 1996, president of the ASA. All this in addition to holding every position at various times in the Cheltenham club – it was only in recent months that he finally retired from the club’s general committee.
Philip was appointed England water polo coach in 1961 and served as GB coach from 1964 to 1968.
The League offers its condolences to Philip’s wife Shoena and family.
Philip's funeral takes place on Tuesday, 12 September, 3.30pm, at the Willow Chapel, Cheltenham Crematorium.
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