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Dear Families, Volunteers, Staff, and Community Partners,
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. As we welcome 2025, I am honored and excited to step into the role of MARA Board President. MARA has been a cornerstone of our community for almost 70 years, and I am excited to build on its proud legacy. With all of you, we’ll continue fostering a safe, fun, and enriching environment for our young student athletes.
Hazel Williams' role as president ended on December 31. His leadership and service set the park on a firm footing for the future. I have personally appreciated Hazel’s mentorship over the last two years and will continue to rely on him for additional guidance. His service had a lasting impact on the park and in the community. Let us all thank Hazel for his service in this volunteer role.
MARA could not exist without its volunteers. Your passion and commitment are the heart of MARA, and it is because of you that our programs succeed, and our community thrives. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our student-athletes, parents, coaches, sponsors, and volunteers for their continued support and dedication.
Justin Vandergrift
MARA Board President
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Thank you to our 2024 MARA Board for their dedication and commitment to our MARA community. Your work ensures MARA continues to thrive as a cornerstone for youth sports and recreation. | |
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2025 MARA Board (Pictured Left to Right)
Maureen Ryan (Secretary), Deon Boswell (Treasurer), Kim McKinney (Director), Jessica Tullar (Director), Misti Pinkston-Smith (Director), Hazel Williams (Past President), Rick Johnston (Director), Justin Vandergrift (President)
Not pictured: Bill Eichorn (Director) & Lindsey Ostergaard (Director)
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We are excited to welcome Elizabeth Hockerman and Chris Danner as new board members this year.
Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will undoubtedly contribute to our continued success.
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Elizabeth Hockerman, Director | |
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Click here to participate in our January Newsletter Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Mac's Speed Shop! | |
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Join MARA for Get Outside & Play Day at Arthur Goodman Memorial Park, right in the heart of Matthews! This exciting event is dedicated to promoting youth sports, outdoor fun, and healthy habits for all kids and families alike.
Kids of all ages and skill levels will have the opportunity to try different sports, make new friends, and experience the pure joy of staying active. From throwing a football to swinging a bat or simply running and playing free, this day is all about building confidence, fostering connections, and inspiring a lifelong love for movement.
Event details:
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Times: 9am - 10am, Sensory Friendly Play
10am - 1pm, Community Wide Play
Location: 1200 S. Trade St., Matthews, NC 28105
Cost: FREE
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy the outdoors, have a blast, and create lasting memories. Let’s come together, get moving, and celebrate the power of play.
If you are interested in attending, please click here to register!
Registration is not required but encouraged for planning purposes.
We hope to see you at the park!
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DICK'S Sporting Goods
20% Off Exclusive Shop Event
Friday, February 21 - Monday, February 24
| Click here to download and share the coupon! Remember the more the coupon is used, the more DSG gives back to MARA! | |
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It takes a village to raise a school, and we want to be part of yours! If your player's school offers opportunities for MARA to support initiatives and events, please contact lauren@marasports.net.
It has been an honor to welcome teams and families to the park for tournaments, games, scrimmages, and inter-league play. We are also excited to partner with your schools in the community to support you. If you are interested in hosting an event at the fields, please contact lauren@marasports.net.
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Our DSG Electronic Coupon Packet for 2025 is ready!
These coupons are valid until December 31, 2025 and can be accessed by clicking this link.
Make sure to share with your friends, family, teammates, and colleagues! The more the coupons are redeemed, the more DSG supports MARA!
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As we gear up for another season of baseball and softball, if you have a player on your recreation, challenge or travel team that hits an "over the fence" home run, please email Dana at dana@marasports.net.
We would love to celebrate our student-athletes with our MARA community!
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MARA's Home Run Hitter's Club is proudly sponsored by: | |
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Bambino Buddy-Ball
Player Registration is Now Open!
In order to provide the best experience for our players, space is very limited.
Don't delay, sign up today.
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Want to be Buddy for our Bambino Buddy-Ball Program?
- Program runs Sundays from March 2 to April 27 - weather permitting sessions may run into May. No session on Easter Sunday)
- 1:45 - 3:15 pm at Arthur Goodman Park
- Commitment is 8 Sundays
- Recommended age 12+
- Knowledge of baseball not necessary
- If you need service hours, this will count!
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Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: | |
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We’re excited to announce our Pre-Season Baseball Hitting Clinics at D-Bat Indian Trail!
These clinics, led by Coach Lenni Kunert, are designed to help players of all levels refine their swing, improve mechanics, and build confidence at the plate. It’s a fantastic way to prepare for the upcoming season and connect with teammates before the action begins.
Clinic Details:
- Ages: 6-8, 9-10, 11-12, & 13+ (all skill levels welcome)
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Times/Dates: click here
- Location: D-Bat Indian Trail
- Cost: $30 per session
- What to Bring: Bat, helmet, and any other personal gear
Sign up for one session or all five but don’t miss this chance to take your game to the next level! Spots are limited, so register today to secure your spot.
For more information and to register, click here.
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MARA Basketball is back, and the courts at Crestdale Middle and Crews Recreation Center are buzzing with excitement! Players are bringing their passion and teamwork to every game, making this season one to remember.
A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and coaches who make it all possible—we couldn’t do it without you!
Come out to cheer on our teams and join in the fun!
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MARA Basketball is proudly sponsored by: | |
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To learn more and to register, click here.
**Registration closes on Sunday, January 12**
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Congratulations to our Winter Flag Football Champions! | |
Tiny Mite Black
Head Coach Johnston | |
Mitey Mite White
Head Coach Bonsall | |
Junior PeeWee
Head Coach McEntarfer | |
PeeWee Black
Head Coach Dean | |
If you would like your football team's accomplishments featured in our MARA Monthly Newsletter or on social media, please send pictures and tournament information to dana@marasports.net. | |
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We’re excited to announce our Pre-Season Softball Hitting Clinics at D-Bat Indian Trail!
These clinics, led by Coach Emma Crowley, are designed to help players of all levels refine their swing, improve mechanics, and build confidence at the plate. It’s a fantastic way to prepare for the upcoming season and connect with teammates before the action begins.
Clinic Details:
- Ages: 6U, 8U, and 10U (all skill levels welcome)
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Times/Dates: Click here
- Location: D-Bat Indian Trail
- Cost: $30 per session
- What to Bring: Bat, helmet, and any other personal gear
Sign up for one session or all five but don’t miss this chance to take your game to the next level! Spots are limited, so register today to secure your spot.
For more information and to register, click here.
Let’s get ready to make this season unforgettable!
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MARA Chaos Ugly Sweater Hit-a-Thon
Sunday, December 8 | |
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On Sunday, December 8, the MARA community came together for a beautiful day filled with fun, laughter, and support for our players. The first annual MARA Chaos Ugly Sweater Hit-a-Thon was an incredible success, with the girls showing off their festive sweaters and swinging for the fences. Together, they raised an impressive $5,380 - all thanks to the generosity and support of our amazing MARA families, friends, and community!
We are so proud of this group of girls and grateful for everyone who made this event so special!
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If you would like your recreation, challenge, or travel team's accomplishments to be featured in our MARA Monthly Newsletter, please send pictures and tournament information to dana@marasports.net.
Good luck to all our players! We can't wait to see what the season has in store!
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Charlotte Knights
Fields for the Future
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Back in October, MARA had the incredible honor of being selected as the recipient of the Charlotte Knights annual Fields for the Future program. This incredible recognition has brought new life to Field 10 and we couldn’t be more grateful!
This past Monday, the Knights team went above and beyond to complete some much needed renovations, including:
- Laser grading the field for optimal playability
- Bring in several truckloads of new dirt/clay mix to refresh the playing surface
- Repainting the dugouts to give them a fresh and polished look
The Knights' commitment to supporting youth sports is inspiring, and their generosity will surely make a lasting impact on our players and community.
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Junk King Hauliday Toy Drive | |
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Thank you, MARA Families!
This past holiday year, MARA proudly partnered with Junk King for their 5th Annual Hauliday Toy Drive, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club. On December 17, Gustavo LaRotta (pictured above), owner of Junk King and valued MARA Sponsor, picked up the toys generously donated by our amazing MARA community and families.
Your kindness and generosity helped bring smiles to many children this holiday season. Thank you for making a difference!
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Interested in sponsoring at MARA? | |
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Do you own a local business in the Matthews area and want to advertise with MARA? Are you interested in sponsoring your player's team or displaying your business' logo around the park?
To learn more about partnering with MARA, please contact Dana Bouque at (704) 491-6857 or dana@marasports.net.
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MARA Digital Sponsor Directory | |
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Do you need a plumber, an orthodontist, a realtor, a facial, or a scoop of ice cream? Don't stress.
We have all of your needs covered in one spot - our 2024 MARA Digital Sponsor Directory!
Click here to access our sponsor directory complete with their phone numbers and direct links to their website.
Thank you for supporting our sponsors!
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Refer a New Sponsor -
Get a FREE Banner!
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Are you a current sponsor and would like to have an additional banner for no additional cost?
Refer a new sponsor and when they sign up for a sponsorship, we will hang additional banner for your business at the park!
Please emails all referrals to Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net.
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Do you have something you would like add to our MARA Monthly Newsletter? Would you like to showcase your teams' accomplishments or promote an upcoming MARA event?
Please email Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net with your newsletter additions and pictures before January 25.
We are happy spread your good news!
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