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A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY OF LINDEN E. WALTERS |
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Linden Ewelle Walters, affectionately known as Noel & Wally, was born on December 23, 1956 in Georgetown, Guyana, South America. He attended Bedford Methodist School, Central High School and the University of Guyana. After completing school he was employed by John Fernandes Insurance Company. He was a member of the prestigious Guyana Football Club. In 1981 he emigrated to the United States. His good friend Jay Narain introduced him to the soccer coach at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). His talents were quickly realized and he was offered a scholarship. He obtained a BSc In Civil Engineering from UDC. After working as an architect for several years, he returned to The University of Maryland and obtained a MSc in Civil Engineering. While a student at UDC, he met Ursula "Cheryl" McClymont, a student at Howard University. The two dated for several years and married in 1991. The union produced two sons, Tyler Linden and Malik Noel. Linden was also the father of two other children, Shaffon and Seon. A man with clear priorities, he always found time for his favorite sport "soccer". He played on several teams in the Washington Metropolitan area: Park United, Starliners, Ilforno, Annapolis, Cavaliers, and Hustlers. Cheryl often teased of not knowing which uniform she was to put out on a Sunday morning. In 1995 he organized and served as captain for Guyana Football Club (now Linden United). He also played field hockey, enjoyed track and field (he never missed the annual Penn Relays), and dabbled in tennis. Each year he travelled to Jamaica with Hustlers (now Harambee) to participate in the annual Kirkvine Tournament. He also organized an annual soccer game between Guyana Vets of Canada and Hustlers. Each year the game was played in Canada as a part of the Guyana Independence Celebration. The game continued for many years following his death. He possessed a strong work ethic and an unwavering dedication to family and friends. When he decided to leave his job at a private architectural firm, he explained to his fiance Cheryl that he wanted to do work that would make playing safe for children. Although it meant a significant decrease in salary, he went to work for the state of Maryland. Cheryl recalls the excitement in his voice and the pride he expressed as he took her to various parks and explained the intricacies of the different equipment on which children would play. He served as the project manager on the projects. He remained employed as an engineer with the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission until his passing. Several months after his death, a memorial tree (ironically a Linden Tree) was planted on the front lawn of the commission. His friend Wayne Austin once wrote of Linden "He believed that there were no shortcut to progress and prosperity. He knew there were no handouts in life and expected none. You have to work for what you want to achieve". In recalling memories of this outstanding individual his sisters described him as "a man of integrity, valor, creativity and strength". His mother-in- law Hyacinth Fray remembers "his zest for life, his appreciation of the arts (especially his love for jazz) and his congenial personality". His legacy to Dr. Verlyn Warrington was advice to do her research before spending her money. Linden always checked the Consumer Reports and Better Business Bureau before making any major purchases. Marcia Berry Samuel remembers his "no nonsense, studious and introspective personality". Chris McLymont remembers "his love for music and his enormous jazz collection". Ronald Fanfair remembers "he maintained his roots and was always willing to communicate with anyone he met, regardless of their social or economic status". His niece Leanne remembers "the way he would bounce me on his knee and call me Poochie". Wynette Williams recalls "Noel was always there for those less fortunate than himself. He acted from the heart and did what he believed in. He always encouraged others to reach for the stars and to persevere until dreams became reality". This memorial classic is Linden's dream brought to reality by the support of his family and friends. Prior to his death, he often spoke of his team hosting a masters tournament where older players could display their talents while having fun. When his friend Yero Radway told his widow of their many conversations about such a tournament, she decided to start the memorial classic. The first game featured the two teams that he represented at the time of his death: Guyana Football Club (now Linden United) and Hustlers (now Harambee). Linden United won and would go on to win 3 other titles. By 2007, the tournament had grown from 2 - 10 teams. 10 years ago, the first free soccer clinic took place with only 30 participants. Today, the clinic hosts over 100 children. To offset financial costs, a nominal fee of $10 is charged. Today, the tournament includes a children's game and an over 45 game. The foundation recognizes individuals who have made significant contribution to the community by awarding a community service award. Scholarships are given to local high school senior soccer players accepted to college. The clinic and tournament are possible because of the generous contributions of family and friends: by way of financial gifts and/or investment of their time. Linden's legacy continues through his offsprings' participation in the clinic and tournament. Tyler Walters has played in several children's games. Malik Walters played in one and decided his contribution would be designing the T-shirts and volunteering at the clinic. In 2009, Linden's granddaughter (Seon's daughter) Aiyanna participated in the clinic. Seon serves as a volunteer. Alvin Tucker coined the motto Family, Football and Fun to describe the tone of the tournament. Linden loved his family, excelled in Football (soccer) and always had fun. It is in that spirit that we celebrate his memory. |
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HISTORY OF THE TOURNAMENT |
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In 1995 Linden Walters suggested to Yero "Earl"
Radway that their soccer team Hustlers
host an annual soccer tournament. Unfortunately, on July 12, 1997 |
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Past Winners of The Linden E. Walters Memorial Classic |
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1998 Tournament - Linden United |
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1999 Tournament - Starliners |
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2000 Tournament - Harambee FC, U17 Match - Potomac Eagles |
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2001 Tournament - Linden United, U17 Match - Potomac Eagles |
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2002 Tournament - Krimson Kickers |
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2003 Tournament - Linden United |
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2004 Tournament - Elsenhower Lions, Children's Match - Linden Strikers |
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2005 Tournament - Linden United |
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2006 Tournament - WIAMI, O45 Match - Red, Children's Match - Linden Strikers |
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2007 Tournament - Harambee FC |
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2008 Tournament - Harambee FC |
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2009 Tournament - Falkland |
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2010 Tournament - Linden United |
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2011 Tournament - Linden United |
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2012 Tournament - Harambee FC |
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2013 Tournament - Harambee FC |
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2014 Tournament - Jamaican Raiders |
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2015 Tournament - Harambee FC | |
2016 Tournament - Jamaican Raiders |
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2017 Tournament - Jamaican Raiders |
There is no adult tournament this year, however the 2022 children's games will take place on Saturday, July 9th
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Linden E. Walters Foundation will hold its soccer clinic for children 12 years and younger
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Please download and print the application forms for the Clinic and Games. |
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