Hello MARA Members,
2023 we are off and running with our winter sports. This year brings many opportunities as we strive to be better together.
We are going to need your support, as we bring our park into the 21st century.
- The inaugural year of our all girls flag football season.
- Capital fund campaign to fund the following projects:
- Upgrade our electrical infrastructure. Bring our park into the 21st century, but most important make our park a more safer environment for our kids, members and families.
- Make our fields more accessible. Pave our pathways to our fields.
- Address our drainage issues on some of our fields. Reduce standing water.
- Upgrade to our batting cages.
We thank you for your continued support over the years and it gives me great pleasure to wish you an amazing 2023. I do hope that you enjoy a truly healthy, happy and prosperous year.
We will see you at the park!
Hazel Williams
MARA President 2023-2024
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MEET OUR NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR |
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Please give a warm welcome to Lauren Benjamin MARA's new Executive Director.
Lauren is an active community leader, volunteering through many organizations, including the Junior League of Charlotte, where she serves as the Chair of Healthy Kids, Community Impact Council, overseeing relationships with five local non-profits, including Thompson Child & Family Focus and Kids in the Kitchen. In 2022, she established the non-profit, FundRise, to implement sustainable and repeatable programs to advance equity in local schools. She is excited to be part of the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) to serve families in Matthews and South Charlotte.
Lauren is a native of Mecklenburg County and attended Providence Day School. She spent ten years in Washington, D.C., working in the software industry before moving back to Charlotte in 2014 to raise her family. She lives in the Berkley neighborhood with her husband, Don, and three children, D.J. (9), Brody (6), and Amelia (3). She is active in the Providence Springs Elementary School's PTA, enjoys reading, listening to her favorite podcasts, and consuming lots of coffee.
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Reminder that towing will be enforced at all times at MARA. Please be conscious of where you park and respect the "No Parking", "Reserved for Concessions Manager" or "Reserved for Staff" parking spots. Thank you. |
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IMPORTANT UPDATES TO OUR REGISTRATION SYSTEM |
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Mobile-First Registration provides a modern, user-friendly experience within registration, making it easier than ever for families to register from any device!
Single Sign-On (SSO)
What your members can expect from SSO:
· When members log in to their Sports Connect account on/after December 14th, they will be prompted to update their login credentials by entering the email address associated with their account.
· The email address entered will need to be verified via a quick verification email sent to their inbox.
· The email address entered will be used to log in moving forward. Usernames will no longer be used at login.
· Members will update the password for their account.
How Sports Connect is supporting your members through this change:
FAQ
I already have a Sports Connect account. Do I need to create a new account? Why can’t I log in with my current account credentials?
Yes. We are updating the username and password logic for accessing all Sports Connect club accounts. This change is intended to provide an improved user experience and account security for you.
Will I use my newly created/updated username and password, to access Sports Connect in Sports Connect for Associations?
No. This change does not impact the username and password logic on the Association Solution at this time. You will use your current Association credentials to complete tasks at the Association/NGB level.
Will I need to verify my email before logging into Sports Connect after this change is made?
Yes, email verification will be required to access your account.
So, I can’t complete an online registration until I have verified my email?
All users (new and existing) will need to verify their email address one time, via a Verify Email email. You will need to do this before you access your account to complete any registration, view account details, etc.
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INTERESTED IN 2023 SPONSORSHIP? |
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Looking to advertise your business at MARA with a sponsorship for 2023?
Want to sponsor your child's team?
Time is running out! Contact Monique Brooks,
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The below sponsors have been with MARA a long time. Do you recognize anyone in the photos? Know what year this was? Note: the main bathrooms across from Field 4 were not built yet (see Domino's photo below). |
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It's almost that time of year again! Here’s what’s happening while we wait for Spring Season:
The main stand will be open for all Girls Flag Football games on Sundays.
We look forward to serving you on February 11th for softball assessments and February 18th for baseball assessments.
Come grab a snowcone after your player has shown their skills on the ball field!
Please follow us on Instagram @Mara_concessions
for updates and specials!
Andrea Brock
Concessions Manager
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The MARA Board Room received a complete makeover! Huge thanks to M & M Hardwood Flooring for installing & providing the gorgeous flooring that replaced the carpet.
PPG Paints in Matthews donated all the paint and J & K Painting did a fabulous job with the walls - we love our MARA blue wall! Thank you t0 both!
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SWAG BAG STUFFING - MARCH 4 |
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CALLING ALL PARENTS, PLAYERS, SIBLINGS AND FRIENDS!
MARA needs your help on Saturday, March 4 starting at 9:00am to help stuff player swag bags in the multipurpose room upstairs of main concession stand.
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If you forget to sign-up please come anyway as we can use the help!
Join us while you son or daughter has practice.
Coaches bring your team before or after practice
If your child needs service hours - this will count!
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SAVE THE DATE: DICKS SHOP WEEKEND |
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MARA Basketball is proudly sponsored by: |
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Contact Hazel Williams, MARA President, for more information about the MARA Basketball Program.
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MARA made history this past weekend! The inaugural season of Girls Only Flag Football kicked-off. Girls Rock!! |
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Spring Flag Football. Register today and play.
If you are interested in coaching, please complete the volunteer application at I want to coach.
Here are some key dates to know:
- Registration Closes - when all player slots are filled
- Season starts - 03/18/2023
For more information and to register on-line, please visit
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Registration for the Matthews Elite Colts 7V7 Team is now open! Don't miss out on your chance to register. See details below: The Matthews Elite Colts 7v7 team is back for the spring season!
Coach Matt Carr and Coach Andrew Hinton return to lead our 7V7 Spring Program.
What is 7V7? Check out this link for a good explanation
Here are the details for the Spring 2023 season:
The spring season runs approximately March 1, 2023 to May 22, 2023.
TRYOUTS are $20. You must register to tryout.
Tryouts will be held at MARA on the main football field.
The tryouts will be held on February 11, 2023 for:
10U* - 12 to 130pm
12U* - 145 to 315pm
13/14U* - 330 to 5pm
Practices: The 1st day of practice is the weekend of February 25/26 Times: TBD
Teams: Maximum number of players per team is 15.
Games: Eight (8) regular games. Games are played on Sunday afternoons/evenings
Games will take place at Matthews Sportsplex, Weddington Optimist Park, Country Day School, and West Cabarrus High School
Games are against teams from all over the region as we participate in a regional 7V7 league!
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Contact Deon Boswell, Football Commissioner, for more information
about the MARA Colts Football Program.
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Registration for Spring Cheer is now OPEN! Currently, some of the divisions are waitlisted until a Head Coach position is filled. Parents/guardians who register as a head coach for their athlete’s team may receive a discount off registration.
Spring Cheer will run from mid-March to late May. Practices will be held one day per week for all squads. All games are on Saturdays. Make up games may be held on Friday evenings/Sunday afternoons.
Spring Cheer teams are open to ages 4-11. Age for the season is determined as of 3/1/2023:
- Jr. Tiny Mite: 4y
- Tiny Mite: 5-6
- Mitey Mite: 7-9
- Jr. PeeWee: 9-11
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about the MARA Colts Cheerleading program.
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Important Upcoming Dates:
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Registration Closes– Wednesday, February 15 OR when the division reaches capacity
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Free D-BAT Hit Night–Friday, February 17 at their Indian Trail location, RSVP - Coming Soon
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Assessments –Saturday, February 18. More information will be relayed in the coming weeks regarding times and field locations
- League Drafts–Sunday, February 19
- Practice Begins – The week of Monday, February 20. Practices will be conducted once during the week (M-TH) and on Saturdays.
Baseball Leagues & Commissioners:
- Baseball Leagues are based on a player's age as of 4/30/2023
- Registration will default based on age
- All players will play in their age divisions
T-Ball - Ages 4-5 (T-Ball does not have Assessments)
AA Machine Pitch - Ages 6-7
AAA Machine Pitch - Ages 7-8
Minors League - Ages 9-10
Majors League - Ages 11-12
Juniors & Senior League - Ages 13-16
Babe Ruth – Ages 17-18 (Registration for Babe Ruth will open soon)
Challenge Baseball
Travel Baseball
Bat & Ball Commissioner
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ATTN: MAJORS DIVISION PLAYERS
Every Monday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 pm and Friday from 6:30-9:00 pm, we are hosting free workouts for the 11U and 12U players. We start off with strength and conditioning exercises, then the kids get to work with coaches on skills at every position.
Each workout is entirely voluntary, but a great way to get started before assessments on February 18th. We meet on Field 12 at MARA each of those nights. Bring all their gear and be ready to work!
Scrimmage games will also be part of those workouts. We'll let you know when and the whole family can come enjoy some early baseball action!
Also, if you are interested in coaching, please contact Majors Commissioner Jason Hucks, jasonahucks@gmail.com, for any opportunities.
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about the MARA Baseball program.
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Challenge Tryouts
Sunday, February 26
Fields & Times TBD
What is Challenge Baseball?
Challenge Baseball is set up to provide an alternative to "travel baseball" by providing tournament experience to teams made up of players that play at the local area associations. MARA will be fielding teams for several age groups (7U and 8U will be machine pitch, while 9U-12U will be kid pitch). The age is determined by the player's age as of 4/30/2023. There will be a tryout and players will have the opportunity to be selected to play on the appropriate team based on performance at tryouts and/or the coach's prior knowledge of the player's skills. Please note that the number of players that tryout at each level will directly impact the team selection process.
Challenge Practices
Practices are typically held on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons that the teams are not playing in a tournament.
Challenge Tournaments
Tournaments typically consist of Sunday Only Tournaments (2 games per team), but there is also an opportunity for teams to participate in full weekend tournaments as well (4 games minimum per team on Sat/Sun). Over the course of the Challenge Season, the team will participate in a minimum of 3 tournaments. It is also possible for teams to participate in additional tournaments based on availability, cost and interest from parents.
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about the MARA Baseball Challenge program.
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Save The Dates!
Free Hitting Session at D-BAT Indian Trail
Friday, February 10
6u -10u from 5:30pm - 7:00pm
14u - 18u from 7:00pm - 8:30pm
RSVP information coming soon!
Assessments (Hosted by D-BAT on Field 4)
Saturday, February 11
8u: 9am
10u: 11:15am
14u: 1:15pm
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about the MARA Softball program.
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about the MARA Challenge Softball program.
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Registration is open! This program is for kids, ages 5-20, living with special needs. The 8-sessions will run on Sundays starting on March 5 and ending on April 30 (weather permitting).
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Looking for Buddies
The suggested age for buddies is 13 years or older and a MARA member is preferred but not necessary. Adults are welcome to volunteer as well, but youth will get first priority. You'll need to attend most all of the games and show up with enthusiasm.
Dates are March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 16, 23, 30 (off for Easter on April 9). Depending on the weather we may go into May. Sessions start at 2:00 pm and last about 60-75 minutes. We need our buddies to help with set-up and clean-up afterwards so it’s approximately a 2 hour commitment each Sunday.
No experience necessary – just a positive attitude, a big smile and a little bit of baseball knowledge. We will provide mandatory training prior to the start of the program for all volunteers. Service hours can be earned through this program.
- Buddy Name
- Age
- Email Address (both buddy & parent)
- Parent Phone #
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Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: |
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Contact Monique Brooks, Bambino Buddy-Ball Coordinator, for more information about the program.
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MARA NIGHT WITH THE KNIGHTS |
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MARA NIGHT IS BACK AGAIN!!
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, May 13
7:04 pm First Pitch against the Durham Bulls
Information to purchase tickets will be available soon.
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YOUTH BASEBALL UMPIRES NEEDED |
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20/20 Umpires is seeking youth baseball umpires. We provide umpire services to local youth ages 5-18 with games primarily in the Charlotte area. Spring games begin in March and typically end in June. You can work as little or as much as you would like, scheduling is very flexible. This is a great way to make extra income for people with a basic knowledge of baseball. We recruit and hire people-oriented, supportive, and fairness focused individuals to serve on our umpire team. The safety, protection and well-being of all players is our top priority.
Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Have reliable transportation.
- Have internet access, smart cell phone and valid email address to utilize our scheduling system.
- Clear Background Check via National Criminal Background and Sex Offenders Registry (no felony/serious misdemeanor convictions).
- Previous baseball and/or umpire experience (preferred), training will be provided for others.
- Games are played mostly Monday – Thursday and all-day Saturday. We may have a few Friday & Sunday makeup games.
If you are interested in joining our team, please provide the following information to us via email:
Your contact information (name, email, home address and phone number).
Your expected availability (days/times you normally would be able to umpire).
Details of your previous baseball and/or umpiring experience.
Tom & Debbie Bowman
20/20 Umpires, LLC
2020umpires@gmail.com
(704) 763-6585
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about the MARA Travel program.
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about the MARA Southside Storm Track program.
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MARA is always looking to partner with Boy Scouts needing a beneficiary for their Eagle Projects.
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Dick's Sporting Goods coupons can be used an unlimited number of times at ANY DICK's location - even out of state so please share with family & friends. |
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Please review our park rules before coming to the Park. This is for your safety and the safety of all members.
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NO dogs allowed in the park
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NO inappropriate use of language
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NO handguns or weapons of any kind
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NO drugs allowed in the park
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NO tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, e-cigs, chewing tobacco, etc.)
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NO motorized bikes, go carts, ATV'S or scooters
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NO skateboards, hoverboards, roller blades, or roller skates
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NO RC/ airplanes or model rockets
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NO kicking or batting balls into fences
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NO climbing fences or trees
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NO climbing on buildings or roofs
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NO parking on sidewalks or access road that connects our park with the Courtney Neighborhood (Matthews Police WILL ticket you!)
Please DO NOT park in the Concession Managers spot, she has to unload supplies and needs to park near concessions.
Park at you own risk: MARA is not responsible for your vehicle or you property.
Handicapped Parking at MARA: Please be respectful of the Handicapped parking spaces. If you do not have a placard that allows you to park there, you risk receiving a fine and having your car towed.
MARA Is A Privately Owned and Operated Complex. It Is Not A Public Park. Use of Fields Are For Association Members Only. Unauthorized Use Of This Property Will Be Viewed As Trespassing. Violators Will Be Prosecuted For Any Of The Above.
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IMPORTANT: LIGHTNING SAFETY SYSTEM
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The safety of the players, spectators, and officials is our main concern at MARA. No weather event is more dangerous than lightning. Because of this threat, we have installed the Thorguard Lightning Prediction System. This system can provide advance warning of a lightning hazard, allowing you the time to seek shelter. The system continually monitors and evaluates the electrostatic atmosphere and predicts the probability of a lightning hazard in the immediate area of our facility. You will be alerted by one loud horn blast that will last 15 seconds.
Upon hearing the horns, everyone should seek shelter immediately.
When this occurs, strobe lights located on the top of the horns
will activate and remain active while under a weather alert.
Every attempt should be made to seek shelter in a safe environment like a permanent building or car.
The Thorguard system will determine when conditions are safe to return. Three 5-second blasts will indicate that all is clear and the strobe lights will cease operation.
ALWAYS AVOID THE FOLLOWING:
· Athletic Fields & Bleacher
· Open Areas
· Field Lighting Poles
· Isolated Trees
· High Elevation
Questions regarding Weather and Field Conditions contact
Mara Weather Line: 704-845-6337 or your Commissioners.
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Follow mara_sports on Instagram to quickly and easily receive updates on weather and field conditions directly to your smart phone. Also, email communications will be sent out to the email address in the registered account. Please make sure your information is up-to-date!
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MARA
Arthur Goodman Park, 1200 S. Trade St. Matthews, NC 28105
PO Box 1023, Matthews, NC 28106
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