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Dear MARA Parents, Members, Staff, and Sponsors,
As we eagerly welcome the arrival of spring, I want to provide you with some updates and important announcements from our community at MARA. We remain excited about the upcoming activities and events that will bring us together in the spirit of fun and camaraderie.
Despite the temporary setback due to the weather, our park is alive with the sounds of flag football, 7v7 football, cheer, baseball, and softball as our athletes hit the fields with enthusiasm and determination. It's truly a sight to behold as our community comes together to enjoy the thrills of sports and recreation.
I am thrilled to announce that our recent softball hit-a-thon fundraiser was a tremendous success! Thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters, we raised enough money to start some much needed park improvements. These improvements will provide our athletes with enhanced training facilities and help them hone their skills for the season ahead. Baseball hit-a-thon will take place on Saturday, April 6 at 10:30am.
On a more personal note, it is with mixed emotions that I share the news of two important transitions within our organization. Andrea Brock, our remarkable Concessions Manager, will be leaving us at the end of May. Andrea's dedication and leadership have been instrumental in making our concessions stand a hub of activity and enjoyment for our community. We will miss her dearly and wish her all the best in her new role.
Additionally, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to Kyle Phillips, our esteemed Field Maintenance Manager, who has accepted an exciting new opportunity that he simply couldn't pass up. Kyle's expertise and dedication have been invaluable to our organization, and while we will miss his presence, we are grateful for his contributions and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.
As we continue to work towards our goals, I want to remind you of the important initiatives that we are supporting through our Capital Campaign and the John Duncan scholarship fund. Thermometers around the park will serve as a visual representation of our progress and the impact of our collective efforts in supporting families in need. Your ongoing generosity and commitment make a real difference in the lives of others.
Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our dedicated concessions crew, field maintenance crew, full-time staff, our exceptional volunteer core and our supportive and gracious sponsors. Your hard work, passion, and unwavering support are the backbone of our organization, and we are immensely grateful for everything you do to make our community thrive.
As we look forward to the rest of the season, let us remain united in our shared love for sports, camaraderie, and community. Together, we will continue to create memorable experiences and meaningful connections that last a lifetime. Thank you for being an integral part of the MARA family!
See you at the park,
Hazel Williams, Jr
MARA Board President
Matthews Athletic Recreation Association
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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.
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Fun fact: Upon reviewing last year's rainfall data in comparison to this year's, we have observed a significant increase. Specifically, March 2023 recorded 2.32 inches of rainfall, whereas this March has experienced a substantial rise to 5.18 inches.
March’s rain has been proof of concept for the new drainage system down the back pathway from PF1 to Field #10. We are excited to report the pathway has not been washed out and the bleacher area behind field 10 is draining correctly.
The brush behind PF1, field 9 and 10 was cleared back and this has opened up the park substantially. Over the next few months we will be working on the first base side of Field 9 improving the viewing area.
During spring break, while the park is closed, we will continue to work on park improvements focusing on drainage and turf renovation. We are partnering with Ballard Sports to help us with these upgrades. This is a significant step towards revitalizing our fields and providing a better experience for our players.
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On Saturday, April 6, come visit our MARA Spirit Shop located in the covered picnic area near Fiedl 4!
We will have MARA t-shirts (adult & youth sizes), hats, helmet stickers, and car magnets for purchase.
Spring Raffle:
Each ticket purchased will put you in the running for a FREE FALL REGISTRATION! 1 ticket = $10 or 3 tickets = $20
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Spirit Night on Saturday, May 18:
Tickets are $14 and there is a limited quantity. We will have tickets on hand for purchase.
To visit our online MARA Spirit Shop, click here.
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So great to be back in “full swing!" Munch on all of your favorite snacks while watching your favorite spring sports!
Concession Hours:
Monday-Thursday 5:30-8:30pm
Saturday 8:30am-5pm
(Friday and Sunday TBD by Scheduled Events and Tournaments)
Proudly serving Coke products and Domino's Pizza
Both stands accept Cash or Credit/Debit Cards, Google Pay and
ApplePay ($3 Minimum)
*Concession hours are subject to change based on field usage and weather conditions.
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Follow MARA Concession on Instagram at mara_concessions for updates and specials. | |
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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:
-Monday, April 8, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
-Wednesday, May 15, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
-Wednesday, June 12, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
If you have questions, email info@marasports.net.
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Charlotte Knights vs. Norfolk Tides
Sunday, April 7, 1:05pm
Section 103
Truist Field
$24 per ticket
Mark your calendar and purchase your tickets! You are invited to join us for an afternoon of baseball! With a great view of the game, make sure to bring your glove and wear your MARA gear! You aren't going to want to miss the game!
*Please remember that each ticket purchased with the link below, the Knights support MARA by giving back a small portion of each ticket!
*Deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, April 5, 2024.
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2ND ANNUAL KICK IT TO THE MAX
Sunday, April 21
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Arthur Goodman Memorial Park (MARA)
Field 10
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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!
*Tickets must be purchased before April 6
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Kannapolis Cannon Ballers vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers
Saturday, May 18, 7:00pm
Section 112
Atrium Health Ballpark, Kannapolis
$14 per ticket
If you are interested in attending the game, tickets will be available to purchase at our Spirit Wear Shop on
Saturday, April 6.
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Spring Break Small Group Sessions
1 Hour Sessions/4 Players Max/$15/player Tuesday, April 2:
10am | Hitting Session | 6-8yrs old | CLICK HERE
11am | Fielding/Throwing | 6-8yrs old | CLICK HERE
12pm | Hitting Session | 9-12yrs old | CLICK HERE
1pm | Pitching/Bullpen | 9-12yrs old | CLICK HERE (Baseball Only)
Thursday, April 4:
10am | Hitting Session | 6-8yrs old | CLICK HERE
11am | Fielding/Throwing | 6-8yrs old | CLICK HERE
12pm | Hitting Session | 9-12yrs old | CLICK HERE
1pm | Pitching/Bullpen | 9-12yrs old | CLICK HERE (Baseball Only)
Spring Break Swings
Need to get some swings over break?
Cage Rentals Including Our Hack Attack Jr - $10/20min slot
(Baseball Players)
20 minute slots are open for player & guest
(if player signs up for back to back sessions can bring 2 guests)
Slots available Monday - Thursday, 10am - 1pm
(other times are available if needed)
Register/more information, click here.
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Next Generation Baseball Camps
Monday, June 10 - Thursday, June 13 8:30am - 12:30pm
Level I (Ages 6-8) Level II (Ages 9-12)
Click here more details and to register your player.
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Brian Hales Football Camp
Thursday, June 20 - Saturday, June 22 6:30pm - 8:30pm
More details to come...
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Speed & Agility Camp
Monday, July 22 - Thursday, July 25
6:00pm - 8:00pm Open to all sports
More details to come...
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After a rain out, we could not have asked for a more beautiful Opening Day for Bambino Buddy-Ball. From all of our players and volunteers, Coach Rick Johnston and Ms. Brooks, Sunday, March 23 was full of fun, sun and all around excitement for everyone!
If you would like to come out and support our players, Bambino Buddy-Ball plays each Sunday at 2pm on Field 8.
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Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: | |
Congratulations to our MARA Lightning - Perfect Game Coastal Opening Day Champions! | |
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MARA Rattlers took home the trophy on Sunday, March 24
at Steele Creek.
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MARA Mavericks placed runner up in consecutive HQ4 Tournaments. | |
MARA Baseball Hit-A-Thon
Saturday, April 6, Field 4
Starts at 10:30am
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Baseball Parent, Coach and Sibling Home Run Derby
In addition to the Hit-A-Thon, we are adding a chance for parents, coaches, siblings and friends to participate in a home run derby. For a suggested $25 donation, you will receive 5 pitches. Lines in the outfield will mark a point structure. At the end of the day, the scores will be tallied, and the highest point total will be a winner-take-all all prize pool. The winnings will be credited to the player's fundraising page that you selected when registering. In case of a tie, the prize pool will be split evenly among players.
Fundraising Update
We have raised nearly $15,000 so far! This is a fantastic start. The Minors division is still in the lead with nearly $9,000 raised! AAA has also raised an impressive $3,298. Let's keep it going!
Please click below to find your player's fundraising page.
AA: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/maraaa
AAA: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/maraaaa
Minors: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/maraminor
Majors: https://app.99pledges.com/fund/maramajors
*Please remember that players must fundraise in order to hit. Donations will be accepted at the Hit-A-Thon for any late-entry players.
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MARA Under the Lights Tournaments are filling up quickly so register your team today. | |
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The Spring Season for MARA Cheer is well underway! The Twinkle and Elite teams started practices and games the week of March 10. The season will run through mid-May.
Be on the lookout for registration in early May for our fall cheer programs.
If you are still interested in cheering this spring, we encourage you to sign up and get on the waitlist as spots may become available.
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Make sure to follow MARA Cheer on social media. | |
CONGRATULATIONS to our 7v7 11U team! During the Holy City Warfare Tournament in Summerville, SC, they came out on top as tournament champions! | |
Tackle football registration opens on 4/6
Registration links will be available on the website as we get closer to April. Make sure to mark your calendars as the player slots will
fill up quickly.
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MARA Colts Football will be partnering with S/P Orthodontics for our upcoming summer and fall flag, 7v7, and tackle football programs. S/P Orthodontics will be providing all of our players with the option to have custom mouth guards created.
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.
If you have questions or need additional information, please call Dana Bouque at (704) 491-6857 or email at dana@marasports.net.
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The Softball Hit-A-Thon was a huge success! With 39 players participating, they collectively raised over $17,000 for some much needed park repairs. Thank you to all of our players, friends and family, coaches, volunteers, and organizers - it was a tremendous success because of each of you! | |
Our 10U travel softball team, MARA Missfits, finally played in their first tournament the weekend of March 23. Huge congratulations to all of our players and coaches as they finished first in their bracket! | |
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If you would like to support our spring softball teams,
click here to view all our team's schedules
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Make sure to follow MARA Softball on Instagram. | |
Please welcome MARA's New Track Coach
Justin Adams | |
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Justin Adams, former two sport athlete, was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. Justin graduated from Wingate University, where he played football and was a part of the Southern Atlantic Conference Championship team in 2017.
For the past three seasons, he has worked with the Sedgefield Middle School football team as an Assistant Coach. He is also entering his third season as the Track & Field Sprints Coach at Charlotte Christian School.
In 2021, Justin founded Impact Speed Training, a speed and agility service where he helps athletes develop and elevate their athletic performance, physically and mentally.
Please welcome Justin to the MARA family.
For any questions regarding MARA Track, please email track@marasports.net.
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Follow MARA on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. | |
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Now through June 30, 2024, please stop by Rick Hendrick Chevrolet to have your car’s routine maintenance needs taken care of. Then, while you’re there waiting for your vehicle to be serviced, please ask the staff to let you take a test drive to benefit MARA through the Chevy Youth Baseball and Softball program.
For each test drive taken, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet will donate $25 to MARA through June 30, while supplies last. This support is in addition to the baseball equipment and monetary donation Rick Hendrick Chevrolet has already provided through the Chevy Youth Baseball and Softball program.
We only need 20 league supporters to complete test drives so we can earn the full $500 available!
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MARA is a proud sponsor of Pleasant Plains' Spring Fest 2024 and everyone is invited!
Festivities are completely FREE and include a ferris wheel and carnival rides, multiple bouncy houses, games, petting zoo, food, and prizes.
If you are interested in volunteering your time, please email Drew Stables at drewstables@hotmail.com.
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A very big THANK YOU to Mike Brock and his team at the Cotton Gin for all of their help creating our sponsor banners, banner walls, and MARA spirit wear. It is a tremendous project and with their expertise, it went seamlessly! | |
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
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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. | |
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Thank you Carotek, Inc for
your continued support and partnership with us for
over 40 years!
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Spring allergy season has arrived, and with it comes that familiar stuffy nose and itchy eyes feeling.
Whether you're walking in the park or watching your child on the field, click here to find out how you can manage your spring allergies with CEENTA.
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At Charlotte Heating & Air, comfort is the name of their game. They have been in the industry for two decades, and continue to serve families and businesses in the Charlotte region. They take pride in providing the highest quality HVAC products and offering premium, personalized service to their customers. At Charlotte Heating & Air, your comfort is their mission. More more information about Charlotte Heating & Air and their services, click here. | |
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Kids don't just need to learn grit. They need grace, too.
Learn more from the Novant Health Sport Psychology experts.
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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. | |
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We are hiring a Concessions Manager.
If you or someone you know is interested, please email lauren@marasports.net for more details.
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