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Dear MARA Families, Volunteers, Staff, and Community Partners,
What an exciting few weeks it has been for MARA! We just wrapped up our winter sports season and are now transitioning into spring sports. A huge thank you to all the families who participated in our winter sports. Our park is growing, and it's inspiring to hear so many empowering stories from our student-athletes.
A special highlight this season is our Bambino Buddy-Ball program, a baseball program for athletes with special needs, led by Board Member Rick Johnson and volunteer Monique Brooks. This year, we’ve moved the program to Field Two to allow for expansion. Shannon Rodden, a MARA baseball dad, helped facilitate this project near the concession stand to improve field accessibility. We deeply appreciate his leadership, which will benefit countless athletes for years to come.
Opening Day is this Saturday! After two years of rainouts, we're hoping for sunshine as we kick off the season. Later this week, we’ll share important details about parking and event logistics—please review them carefully, as Opening Day is always well-attended. Overflow parking will be available at Matthews United Methodist Church, and we sincerely appreciate their ongoing support.
MARA is a volunteer-driven organization, and we couldn’t do this without the dedication of our coaches, parents, and community members. Thank you for all you do to make this park a place where young athletes can thrive.
As we enter the spring season, let's refocus on our mission:
“MARA provides a positive and inclusive environment where student-athletes can discover their potential and foster lifelong skills and values through the joy of sports.”
I look forward to seeing you at the park!
Justin Vandergrift
MARA Board President
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Thanks to the incredible efforts of our MARA families, players, and supporters during our Spring Baseball Hit-a-thon, we are thrilled to announce that our brand new batting cage on Field 1 is officially ready for action!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated, supported, and donated - your contributions are making a huge impact and we are grateful! | |
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A new concrete pad and fence have been installed in the outfield of Field 2 to provide easier access and create a more inclusive environment for our amazing Bambino Buddy Ball players!
This improvement ensures that everyone can enjoy the game with greater comfort and accessibility.
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We are incredibly grateful to Northline Roofing for completing much-needed repairs to the third base dugout on Field 2!
Their generosity and support help keep our facilities in great shape for our athletes and families. Thank you for giving back to the community and making a difference at MARA!
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Click here to participate in our March Newsletter Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Mac's Speed Shop! | |
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Spring is here, and so is Opening Day at MARA!
Join us Saturday, March 15, at 9:45 AM on Field 8 for the Opening Day Ceremony! We’ll kick off the season with a first pitch for baseball and softball and a first throw for football.
Come be part of the excitement as we celebrate the start of a brand-new season! All players of all MARA sports are invited to join us on the field in their MARA uniforms!
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Charlotte Knights Youth Sports Night
Friday, April 4, 5:30pm
Tickets: $25
Click here to purchase tickets!
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Join us for an All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast and help support our service to kids and families! Enjoy delicious pancakes, coffee, and juice while taking part in a fun community event with raffle prizes, door prizes, and more!
Saturday, April 26
8:00 AM – Noon
Matthews Presbyterian Church, 207 W. John Street, Matthews, NC
$10 per person | Kids 8 & under eat FREE!
Interested in purchasing tickets? Contact Dana Bouque at (704) 491-6857 or dana@marasports.net.
Come hungry and support a great cause!
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Fuel up while you cheer on your team! | |
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Domino’s pizza is served every night!
Now serving Bubba Burgers hot off the grill every Thursday night!
Order ahead & skip the wait! Scan the QR code or click here to place your order and pick it up hassle-free.
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Both concession stands are open:
Mon. - Thurs., 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday, 9am - 5:00pm
Sunday, TBD (based on park events)
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Congratulations to TJ Biggins for smashing a home run in the Perfect Game Preseason matchup against Mill Town 11U on February 23!
TJ, an 11-year-old 5th grader, plays for the 11U MARA Lightning, covering first base, third base, and the outfield. He’s been playing baseball since T-ball and continues to bring the energy and skill to the game.
When he’s not on the field, TJ enjoys basketball, gaming, drawing, and reading. He’s a huge LA Dodgers fan and looks up to Mookie Betts as his favorite athlete. In school, he excels in math, and when it comes to food, he’s all about pizza and vanilla ice cream with cherries!
Way to go, TJ! Keep crushing it!
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MARA's Home Run Hitter's Club is proudly sponsored by: | |
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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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Bambino Buddy-Ball Opening Day
Sunday, March 2 | |
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What a beautiful day for baseball as we kicked off our Bambino Buddy ball season on Sunday, March 2! It was an incredible day celebrating our amazing players and the joy of baseball.
Thank you to our MARA President Justin Vandergrift, Head Coach Rick Johnston, and Mayor John Higdon for their inspiring opening day remarks! Your encouragement and support mean so much to our Bambino athletes and families.
To our incredible volunteers who make this program such a success - THANK YOU! Your dedication and kindness bring so much joy to our players, and we couldn’t do it without you!
We are incredibly grateful to our Bambino Buddy Ball Sponsors - Land O’Frost, Charlotte Knights, and Publix - for making this season possible. Your generosity helps create and inclusive and unforgettable experience for our players.
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Bambino Buddy-Ball is proudly sponsored by: | |
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As we begin a new season of baseball, 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.
Make sure to also tag @mara_sports and @mara_baseball on your socials so we can share the fun!
Good luck to all our players! We can't wait to see what the season has in store!
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Our Winter Basketball season was a huge success, with incredible competition, teamwork, and growth on the court. THANK YOU to all our players, coaches, and families for making this season so memorable!
We appreciate everyone who participated and supported MARA basketball this winter. We can’t wait to see you back on the court next season!
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MARA Winter Basketball Champions | |
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8U MARA Warriors
Coach Jackson
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8U MARA Pixies
Coach Caudle
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10U MARA Flight
Coach Quick
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10U All-Star Team SCRA Champions
Coach Hunter & Coach Quick
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MARA Basketball is proudly sponsored by: | |
The Matthews Elite 10U and 12U 7v7 teams has dominated the field this past month with big wins, sharp offense, and strong defense. Their hard work and clutch performances in tournament play continue to showcase their talent and dedication! | |
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10U Matthews Elite
Gamecock City Classic Champions
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12U Matthews Elite
Gamecock City Classic Champions
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10U Matthews Elite
NLG Myrtle Beach Tournament Champions
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12U Matthews Elite
NLG Myrtle Beach Tournament Champions
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10U Matthews Elite
1-40 7v7 Classic Champions
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Check out the tournament schedule below to support our athletes in action! | |
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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As we begin a new season, 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.
Make sure to also tag @mara_sports and @mara_softball on your socials so we can share the fun!
Good luck to all our players! We can't wait to see what the season has in store!
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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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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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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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CELEBRATE LENT & EASTER AT MATTHEWS UNITED METHODIST:
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BUTTERFLY PROJECT- Order caterpillars & habitats and care for your butterfly to be released on Easter Sunday. Order Here by March 23. Pick up at MUMC in The Commons on March 30 between 9 am -12:15 pm.
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JERUSALEM MARKETPLACE- April 13 from 9 am-12 pm. Travel back in time on Palm Sunday! Experience the city of Jerusalem come to life as you visit herb, spice and food markets, ancient crafters, and more. Everyone welcome! Possible donkey sighting! Details
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COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT- April 19 from 6-8pm. Egg hunts for ALL ages, games, inflatables & prizes! Egg Hunts Times: 6:30 for Nursery-Age 5, 7:00 for Age 6-12 & 7:30 for Age 13-Adult. No registration or cost. Details
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KIDS & FAMILY WORSHIP- March 9 & Special Date on April 6 in the Gym at 9:30 am
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EASTER JAM KIDS & FAMILY WORSHIP & BUTTERFLY RELEASE- April 20 at 9:30 am in the Gym. A multigenerational acoustic style Easter service packed with fun for the whole family. Special Butterfly Release at 10:30 am afterwards in the Courtyard.
*View details for Lent & Easter Events & Services at: matthewsumc.org/easter-at-matthews
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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 March 25.
We are happy spread your news!
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