|
Dear Members, Volunteers, Sponsors and Staff,
As we navigate through the rainy spring season, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your patience and unwavering support. Together, we're weathering the storm, and I'm optimistic that the rain will soon relent, allowing us to fully enjoy our upcoming practices and games.
I'm thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our teams and volunteer coaches this spring across a spectrum of sports including baseball, softball, cheer, flag football, and 7v7 football. We've proudly clinched several championships in various tournaments, showcasing the dedication and talent of our student- athletes.
Additionally, I'm delighted to report on the success of our recent Hit-a-thon fundraisers for our softball and baseball teams as part of our ongoing capital campaign. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our kids and teams, we raised over $33k, earmarked for renovating our batting cages and other park improvements. Your generosity and commitment to our community's sporting facilities are truly commendable.
On another exciting note, I'm pleased to announce that the installation of poles and lights for field one will be starting soon. As we navigate through this bustling period, be prepared to witness significant construction efforts commencing with field one, followed by upgrades to the rest of the park, including the complete renovation of fields 9 and 10. These enhancements are made possible because of your continued support and dedication.
From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks for all that you do and for being an integral part of our vibrant sports community.
See you at the Park,
Hazel Williams, Jr
MARA Board President
| |
|
MARA has embarked on a transformative capital campaign aiming to raise $3.5 million to rejuvenate our park. This endeavor is not merely about upgrading facilities; it is a commitment to ensuring MARA meets the needs of our young athletes today and for generations to come.
The projects associated with the Capital Campaign include:
1. Illuminate The Path to Success: Replace Aging Lighting Infrastructure
We will upgrade the lighting infrastructure throughout the park to minimize maintenance and operational costs while enhancing accessibility to the park during evening hours.
Project details: Replace outdated lights and aging poles, install new lights and poles in currently unlit fields, upgrade electrical panels, and transition all lights to energy-efficient LED fixtures to save on costs.
2. Revitalize Fields, Ignite Potential: Improve Fields and Pathways
Our play fields need revitalization. We will upgrade and maintain our fields to the highest standards, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for our athletes. This includes improving drainage to create more favorable field conditions after rainfall. We will make pathways more accessible, fostering inclusivity and creating a welcoming space for all.
Project Details: Enhance drainage systems, upgrade select fields with artificial turf, and improve pathways throughout the park, notably those leading to the T-ball fields and from the main parking lot to field 10. Additionally, PF2 will be transformed into a regulation-size football field.
3. Build Dreams, One Swing at a Time: Indoor Batting Facility
Imagine a brand new indoor batting facility where MARA athletes can refine their skills, regardless of weather conditions. Indoor batting cages will provide our athletes with year-round training opportunities and a chance to develop the confidence and discipline necessary for success both on and off the field.
Project details: Build a facility for indoor batting cages.
We are looking for volunteers with capital campaign or fundraising experience to join our team. If you are interested, please email Lauren Benjamin at lauren@marasports.net.
If you would like to contribute financially to our Capital Campaign, click here.
| |
|
As we celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday May 12, we want to send a special shoutout to all our MARA moms. Your unwavering support for your children's passion is truly remarkable and deserves recognition.
You are the ones who make sure they have their gear, make sure their white pants are sparkling clean, get them to practices and games, and cheer them on from the sidelines. Your dedication and love for your children and the sport they play is unlike any other.
So here's to you, MARA moms! Thank you for all that you do, and for making the world and MARA a better place with your support and love.
| |
Happy Mother's Day!
Sunday, May 12
| |
|
Purchase your raffle ticket(s) and enter to win a FREE fall sport registration!
1 ticket for $10 or 3 for $20
You can purchase tickets on Saturday, May 11 between 10am - 2pm. We will be set up right next to the MARA Spirit Store.
Raffle winner will be picked at the June Board meeting on Sunday, June 2nd!
| |
|
On Saturday, May 11, come visit our MARA Spirit Shop between 10am and 2pm. We will be located near our Main Concession Stand!
We will have MARA t-shirts (adult & youth sizes), hats, helmet stickers, and car magnets for purchase.
To visit our online MARA Spirit Shop, click here.
| |
|
Our concessions schedule for both stands is as follows:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday: 8:30-5:30pm
Friday & Sunday: TBD for scheduled events
*Hours are subject to change based on field usage, staff availability and weather conditions.
If concessions is closed, please grab a cold drink at the Coke machine in the breezeway or fill up your water bottle at the water fountains! (now taking cards and digital payments)!
|  | |
With the end of the season approaching and summer just around the corner, the park will soon be buzzing once again with camps, challenge and travel teams, and tournaments.
As the official "snack chick" since 2017, I have have been keeping the bellies of park-goers full for many seasons, however, with the juggling of being a full-time teacher and running the concession stand for years, I made the tough decision to bid farewell to MARA Concessions. Thank you for trusting me with your family's snack needs as I have enjoyed building these relationships - "grill chats" with many of you and cheering on your favorite players.
I will miss my staff the most but also very excited about the future of MARA. As I say goodbye, I wish everyone well!
Andrea
| |
Follow us on Instgram at mara_concessions for news and specials! | |
|
CPR/AED Training and Certification is free for all MARA coaches and commissioners.
If you are not a volunteer but would like to participate and receive your CPR/AED certification, you are welcome to sign up.
As part of MARA's safe play initiative, we ask that one coach from each team is CPR/AED certified.
The following classes are being offered:
-Wednesday, May 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
-Wednesday, June 12, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
If you have questions, email info@marasports.net.
| |
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Saturday, May 18, 7:00pm
Section 112
Atrium Health Ballpark, Kannapolis
$10 per ticket
If you are interested in attending the game, please email dana@marasports.net.
| |
KICK IT TO THE MAX 2024
Rescheduled for Sunday, June 2
2pm - 5pm, Field 10
| |
|
Kickball | Corn Hole | Live Music | Food | | Face Painting |
Pelican's SnoBalls
We can't think of a better way to celebrate Max Shanks than to be gathered outside for a fun day at MARA - his favorite place!
Click here to learn more about Max and Live Life to the Max.
We can't wait to see everyone at the park celebrating Max!
| |
Next Generation Baseball Camps
Click here for more details and to register your player.
| |
Brian Hales Football Camps
Click here for more details and to register your player
| |
Football Position Specific Camps | |
|
QB, Running Back, Wide Receiver, & Tight Ends - $175
Camp Dates: June 24 - June 26, 6:30pm - 8pm
Registration closes on June 22
Offensive & Defensive Line - $100
Camp Dates: July 8 - July 10, 6:30pm - 8pm
Registration closes on July 6
Linebacker, Cornerback & Safety - $115
Camp Dates: July 15 - July 17, 6:30pm - 8pm
Registration closes on July 14
Tackling - $125
Camp Dates: July 22 - July 24, , 6:30pm - 8pm
Registration closes on July 20
Speed & Conditioning - $175
Camp Dates: July 29 - July 31, 6:30pm - 8pm
Registration closes on July 27
| |
|
The 2024 Bambino Buddy Ball season is full swing. We have had strong turnouts at each of our sessions, and there are a lot of big smiles and full hearts.
According to Coach Rick, this year’s group of volunteers is the best the program has had in his 4 years running the program. Again, Coach would like to recognize Program Coordinator Monique Brooks, Assistant Coach Dana Botiglione, and our incredible group of volunteers for a terrific session on April 7.
Bambino's final session and end-of-season party is May 19.
If you would like to come out and support our players, Bambino Buddy-Ball plays each Sunday at 2pm on Field 8.
*Please note that there will be no Bambino on Sunday, May 12 on Mother's Day.
| |
Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: | |
|
Our Spring Baseball Hit-A-Thon was a HUGE success! From start to finish, we had over 90 players participating and through the hits and flat donations, we raised over $15,000 for some much needed batting cage renovations!
A very special thank you to Dan Ostergaard and Dan Keith for their tremendous support in making sure that the hit-a-thon ran smoothly. We appreciate your dedication to not only the success of the hit-a-thon but to MARA and our players!
| |
Recreation Baseball Highlights | |
|
MARA All-Star votes are being tallied and rosters should be announced the week of May 5 with practices starting mid-May.
Playoffs will begin the week of May 5 and if you have any questions regarding your schedule, please reach out to your coaches directly.
Good luck to all our players!
| |
**If you are posting pictures of your players on Instagram, please tag us (@mara_sports) so we can share them on our stories and in our highlights! | |
Challenge Baseball Highlights
(These are just a few of the challenge tournament winners. To see them all, check out our April highlights on Instagram @mara_sports).
| |
MARA Blaze 7U: Runner up finish at the HQ4 tournament on April 14. | |
MARA Mavericks 10U: 1st Place Champs at HQ4 Tournament on April 14. | |
MARA Maniacs 11U: Runner up finish at the HQ4 tournament on April 14. | |
MARA Legends 12U: 1st Place Champs at HQ4 Tournament on April 14. | |
MARA 8U Mudcats: 1st Place Champs at HQ4 Tournament in Weddington on April 28. | |
MARA 8U Rattlers: Runner up finish at the HQ4 tournament on April 28 in Weddington. | |
Travel Baseball Highlights | |
On Sunday, April 28, our 8U MARA Cobras played UP in their first kid pitch tournament and placed runner up! Congratulations! | |
If you would like your recreation, challenge, or travel baseball team's achievements featured in our monthly newsletter or on social media, please email dana@marasports.net with your team and tournament details. | |
|
As we bid farewell to our Spring Cheer program in May with Football Under the Lights on May 4th and 11th, we invite you to join us in celebrating another fantastic season. Get ready to show your support!
Keep an eye out for the opening of registration for the Fall Football Cheer Program in late May.
For those curious about joining our MARA Cheer family, mark your calendars for the 2024 Interest Meeting on May 18th. The meeting kicks off at 1 pm at the Matthews Community Library. Whether you're a newcomer or a returning member, this is your chance to be a part of something special. See you there!
| |
Make sure to follow MARA Cheer on social media. | |
CONGRATULATIONS to our 7v7 12U team! On Saturday, April 13, they won the Battle of Concord Tournament. | |
Tackle football registration is OPEN!
Click here to register your player!
| |
|
We are excited to announce that MARA Colts Football has partnered with S/P Orthodontics for our upcoming summer and fall flag, 7v7, and tackle football programs. As a part of this partnership, S/P Orthodontics will be providing all of our players with the option to have custom mouth guards created. This means that your player can have a mouth guard that is specifically designed for them. The first custom mouth guard will cost just $15 and each additional guard will be $20.
If you are interested in having a custom mouth guard professionally created just for your player, you can opt in while registering your football player for their upcoming season. Even if you have already registered and have changed your mind, don't worry! We still have time to create your custom guard.
We understand the importance of protecting your player's teeth and want to provide you with the best possible option. By partnering with S/P Orthodontics, we are able to offer a professional and affordable option for custom mouth guards. For more information, please call Dana Bouque at (704) 491-6857 or email at dana@marasports.net.
Stay tuned for more details on this exciting partnership!
| |
Recreation Softball Highlights | |
|
8U: 4 out of 4 teams are in the top 10, with MARA Rippetoe undefeated with a strong chance for back to back championships.
10U: Coach Becky Smith is undefeated and sitting in 2nd place overall.
13U: 3 out of 3 teams are in the top 10 with MARA Hernandez leading in 2nd place.
18U: MARA Cooper is batting for 2nd place with only 1 loss of the season.
| |
Challenge Softball Highlights | |
CONGRATULATIONS 8U Mustangs! | |
On April 14, our 8U MARA Mustangs challenge team emerged victorious, claiming 1st place and maintaining an unbeaten record through out the tournament. | |
MARA Flex Softball Update | |
|
The organization of our MARA Flex summer program has begun! Uniform designs and budgets will be submitted shortly to the board in preparation for summer season!
We will have 8U, 10U, 14U, and possibly an 18U this summer.
| |
Make sure to follow MARA Softball on Instagram. | |
|
We are hiring a Concessions Manager.
If you or someone you know is interested, please email lauren@marasports.net for more details.
| |
Follow MARA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. | |
Thank you to Rick Hendrick City Chevrolet and the Chevrolet Youth Baseball and Softball Program for your continued support of MARA! | |
Dana Bouque, Director of Sponsorship (left) and Nikki Potter, City Chevrolet Internet Marketing Manager & Executive Assistant (right) | |
Please welcome our newest sponsors to the MARA family! | |
|
Foundation Doctor | 3309 Poplar Tent Rd. | Concord, NC
(980) 201-7869 | foundationdoctornc.com
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm
| |
|
Moo and Brew | 111 Matthews Station St. | Matthews, NC
(980) 446-1195 | mooandbrew.com
Open Daily from 11am - 11pm
| |
|
tbh Skin Care Spa | 124 Matthews-Indian Trail Rd. | Indian Trail, NC
(704) 962-5676 | tbhskincarespa.com
Monday - Friday: 10am - 6pm | Saturday: 9am - 4pm
| |
Interested in MARA Sponsorships? | |
Do you have a local business in the Matthews area and would like to advertise with MARA? Interested in sponsoring your player's team or would you like to see your business' logo across the park?
MARA offers lots of opportunities to not only support your player but to promote your business.
To learn more about partnering with MARA, please contact
| |
Barringer Construction is a Carolinas-based general contractor committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers. We take a client-centered approach that allows us to build lasting relationships grounded in trust, honesty and shared goals. The experience we provide and the quality of our team is what sets us apart. With projects spanning across the hospitality, industrial, commercial, corporate interiors, mission critical, healthcare, institutional and life sciences market sectors, we strive to build far more than just a high-quality space; we are dedicated to providing an experience rooted in excellence, professionalism and doing what is best for our clients and their projects. | |
BeLocal is a unique and comprehensive new movers guide that helps new residents learn how to live like a local by sharing some of the best places to eat, shop and explore. We also provide word-of-mouth recommendations and introductions to some of the most reputable local businesses via print, digital and social media. | |
|
State Farm Agent Briana Cicero-Johns has been dedicated to supporting youth softball in our local community since day one of opening her business here in Matthews in 2019. Why has she sponsored a “BCJ State Farm” team every season at MARA over the past five years? Because very few businesses sponsored the girl’s team in her small town back in the 1980s and she is forever grateful for those who chose to do so!
“The local dentist, veterinarian and physical therapist decided to sponsor our girl’s teams and their support provided my teammates and myself with an opportunity to play, learn, and grow together. And many of us were able to obtain a college education as first generation college students and student-athletes,” Cicero-Johns shared. She secured a full scholarship to a Division I institution and pitched/pinch hit for four years for the Youngstown State Penguins. After graduation, she secured a coaching position at a Division II institution (West Virginia Wesleyan College) and coached the pitchers while earning her M.B.A.
“I feel so grateful for the opportunity to ‘Pay it Forward’ by sponsoring our girls teams here at MARA”, Cicero-Johns said. “I love softball, MARA, and the Matthews community so much and enjoy watching ‘my team’ play ball each season!”
You will find Briana Cicero-Johns and her kiddos under her State Farm tent this Saturday, May 4th. Please stop by for a free quote on your homeowners insurance!
| |
|
Rejuvenate your skin with hair removal, acne treatment, fine line and wrinkle care, and sunspot targeting with Jewel Greywoode, MD, in Uptown and Neela Rao, MD, and licensed esthetician Amanda Mackey, MD, in Fort Mill.
Click here to learn more.
| |
Find out from the experts at Novant Health why allergies can trigger attacks, and when to seek emergency care. | |
If you are new to MARA or have a player moving to a new division, keep our complex map handy! If you have questions about a field location, check with concessions or email MARA at info@marasports.net. | | | | |
