|
Dear Members, Families, Volunteers, Staff, and Community Partners,
I can’t believe it’s already November, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner! As we reflect on the past ten months, there’s so much to be grateful for, and I want to take a moment to thank each of you for making this year such a success.
With Fall Baseball and Softball coming to a close, we’re wrapping up a terrific season full of growth, fun, and teamwork. Our Fall Flag Football season is in full swing, and as we look ahead to Winter Basketball, 7v7 Football, and Girls Flag Football, I encourage you to sign up if you haven’t done so yet. Let’s keep our momentum strong as we head into the final stretch of the year!
As a reminder, our annual meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14th. This is a great opportunity to hear a recap of our accomplishments, learn what’s ahead, meet our board members, and welcome our new Board President.
Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication.
Hazel Williams, Jr.
MARA Board President
| |
Click here to participate in our November Newsletter Scavenger Hunt to win a $50 gift card to Mac's Speed Shop! | |
|
Thanks to our recent field improvements, our fields were playable within 36 hours following Hurricane Helene—a scenario that would have seemed impossible just six months ago! Over the summer, we added new infield dirt to Fields 12, 9, and 4, and removed the infield lips on Field 4, allowing for better water drainage. These enhancements made it possible for us to get our fields game-ready quickly.
Additionally, we cleared and properly graded the drainage ditch behind PF1 and Field 2 which has greatly improved water flow from behind Fields 12 and 13 and reduced flooding on PF1 and fields 9 and 10.
MARA was the only association in Char-Meck Softball League with playable fields the Saturday following the hurricane—an incredible testament to the hard work put into maintaining our facilities.
| |
|
Annual Member Meeting
Thursday, November 14, 7:00pm
Matthews Community Center
Please join the 2024 MARA Board at our annual membership meeting as we reflect on 2024 and vote for our 2025 board members.
| |
|
Jersey Mike's Coupon Fundraiser
Sunday, November 10 - Sunday, November 17
3116 Weddington Road, Matthews
| |
|
Support MARA by grabbing a meal at the Weddington Road Jersey Mike’s from November 10 - November 17! For each coupon used, Jersey Mike’s will generously donate $3 back to MARA.
Don’t forget to bring your coupon and help make a difference—every bite counts!
| |
|
10U MARA Chaos Ugly Sweater Hit-a-Thon Sunday, December 8
1:30pm - 3:00pm, Field 4
| |
|
We’re thrilled to announce that our new 10U travel softball team, MARA Chaos, is hosting its first Ugly Sweater Holiday Hit-a-Thon fundraiser. Funds raised will go toward tournament fees, training, and indoor facility costs.
Here’s how you can participate:
- Pledge Per Hit: You can pledge an amount (e.g., $1, $5, or $10) for each hit one of our players makes. For example, if you pledge $2 per hit and the player hits 20 balls, your total donation would be $40. (They will get a maximum of 20 pitches.)
- Flat Donation: You can also support us with a one-time donation of any amount you choose.
To donate, click here.
We appreciate your suppport and look forward to seeing you at the Hit-a-Thon!
| |
|
CPR/AED Training and Certification is free for all MARA volunteers.
If you are not a coach, commissioner, or board member 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, November 13, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
-Tuesday, December 3, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Classes will be held in the MARA Board Room.
Click here to register.
| |
Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 17, as Zabs Place hosts its 7th Annual Pajama Walk! This special event brings the community together in support of young adults with diverse abilities. Whether you’re interested in joining as a participant, volunteering, or sponsoring, there’s a place for everyone to get involved and make a difference. | Click here to learn more about how you can become involved! | |
Want to make a difference in our community. Learn more about Let's Include Landon, a fantastic non-profit dedicated to inclusivity and accessibility for all children.
Click here to learn more about volunteer opportunities and their upcoming soccer clinic.
| |
|
If you are interested in donating coats (new and/or used), please join us on Monday, November 18, 5:30pm - 7:30pm at Grace O'Malley's.
If you can't attend the event, please contact Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net to scheduled a time to drop off your coats. All coats donated will help support the Matthews Help Center and our neighbors in WNC.
| |
|
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.
| |
|
Concessions is OPEN and we are excited to be back filling your bellies with all of your concessions needs! We have updated our menu and added some new menu items which include chicken tenders, mozzarella cheese sticks, french fries, and deli sandwiches.
Schedule for both concession stands:
Monday - Thursday: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9:00am - 4:00pm
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!
| |
If you want to skip the concession lines, scan the QR code on the signs around the park or click here to access our online menu and order ahead. | |
|
Christopher "Jet" Glancy
11U MARA Lightning
| |
|
Please welcome Christopher “The Jet” Glancy to our Home Run Hitter’s Club! On October 5, while participating in the Perfect Game Coastal Invitational, he hit a 3-run home run against the Flock.
Christopher is 11 years old and in the 6th grade. He began playing baseball at MARA in 2018 and has been a member of the MARA Lightning travel team since he was 7 years old. You can find Christopher either in right field, on the pitcher’s mound or behind the plate catching. If Christopher is not on the baseball field, you can find him playing basketball and football with his friends. He is a huge NY Yankees fan - particularly Aaron Judge and Juan Soto.
A few of Christopher’s’ favorites include social studies in school, chocolate ice cream, ravioli, and The Sandlot movie.
CONGRATULATIONS Christopher! It has been a blast watching you grow into the great player you are today!
| |
|
Silas "Champ" Mokris
11U MARA Lightning
| |
|
Please welcome Silas “Champ” Mokris to our Home Run Hitter’s Club! Silas made an unforgettable mark on October 20th during the @usssabaseball Queen City Select Super NIT championship game by smashing an out-of-the-park home run!
Silas, who first picked up a baseball bat at MARA at the age of 4, now shines as a versatile player for the @mara_lightning_baseball team, playing pitcher, 1B, 3B, and OF. When he’s not dominating on the field, Silas is excelling in 5th grade, where his love for math stands out, just like his passion for the Atlanta Braves, the Charlotte Hornets, and Austin Riley. Off the field, you’ll find him shooting hoops and enjoying his favorite meal—orange chicken.
Congratulations, Silas!
| |
Home Run Hitter's Club is proudly sponsored by: | |
|
Save the Date:
Registration for all spring baseball (t-ball, AA, AAA, Minors, & Majors) will open on January 1, 2025.
| |
|
8U MARA Blaze
USSSA Pink Ribbon QualifIer Tournament Champions
Sunday, October 13
| |
|
12U MARA Mavericks
HQ4 Tournament Runner-ups
Sunday, October 13
| |
|
8U MARA Blaze
USSSA Halloween Havoc Runner-up Champs
Sunday, October 27
| |
|
9U MARA Cobras
Perfect Game Coastal Invitational Champions
Sunday, October 7
| |
|
Tournament MVP Pitchers
Eli Reyner & Henry Scott
| |
Tournament MVP
Luke Kenney | |
|
10U MARA Elite
USSSA Pink Ribbon Qualifier Tournament Champions
Sunday, October 13
| |
|
11U MARA Lightning
USSSA Queen City (Fall) Select Super NIT Tournament Champions
Sunday, October 20
| |
|
12U MARA Maniacs
Top Gun Tournament Runner-up Champs
Sunday, October 20
| |
|
11U MARA Lightning
Top Gun Tournament Champs
Sunday, October 20
| |
|
10U MARA Elite
USSSA Halloween Havoc Runner-up Champs
Sunday, October 27
| |
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. | |
|
Winter Basketball registration will close on Friday, November 15.
Click here to secure your spot today!
| |
Pop Warner Wild About Cheer Competition Sunday, October 13 | |
|
A HUGE congratulations to our MARA Colts Cheer and Dance teams — Mitey Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, and Varsity — for their incredible performances at the Pop Warner Wild About Cheer competition on Sunday at UNC Charlotte!
Not only did they bring home 1st place in each of their divisions, but they were also honored with the Robert and Betty Giles Overall Best Sportsmanship Award!
We couldn’t be prouder of these athletes for their hard work, dedication, and positive spirit. Your success is well-deserved and you continue to make MARA proud!
| |
|
Flag Football pictures are scheduled for Saturday, November 9.
Please contact your head coach for more details.
| |
|
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported the 2024 MARA Colts Football & Cheer Fundraiser!
Thanks to the dedication of our players and families—and the generous support from Jersey Mike's Subs and DICK'S Sporting Goods - we raised over $9,000! These funds will go toward essential upgrades for player safety and field upkeep, making MARA an even better place to play.
We couldn’t have done it without each of you, and we’re so grateful for our amazing MARA community.
Here are our top prize winners:
Team Prizes:
11U Football Team with the ost golf balls sold - $600
13U Football Team with the most player participation - $600
Top Individual Sellers ($100 DICK’S gift card):
Myles Allen (13U Tackle)
Cole Jenkins (12U Tackle)
Max Turich (11U Tackle)
Colin Holt (9U Tackle)
Golf Ball Drop Winners:
Laura Huckaby - $1,000 Cash
Scott Walker - $500 Cash
Edward Turich - $250 DICKS gift card
Congratulations to all of our winners!
| |
Custom Mouth Guards - S/P Orthodontics | |
|
If you are interested in getting a custom mouth guard for your upcoming flag football season, it is not too late.
A few things to note:
- First mouth guard is $15
- Additional guards are $20 each
- If your player has braces, S/P will provide a standard non custom mouthguard.
-
Payment for mouth guard(s) will be due at time of pick up or you can prepay online by clicking here.
- If your player needs an additional mouth guard throughout the season, S/P Orthodontics will be able to create a new one for you in a matter of a few days.
Give S/P Orthodontics a call at (704) 594-7171 to set up a free consultation for your mold.
| |
If you would like your football team's accomplishments to be featured in our MARA Monthly Newsletter or on social media, please send pictures and tournament information to dana@marasports.net. | |
|
12U MARA Mustangs
Top Gun USA Tournament Champions
Sunday, Octber 6
| |
|
Aubrey Hardy
Tournament MVP
| |
|
14U MARA Mustangs
Top Gun USA Tournament State Champs
Sunday, October
| |
|
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!
| |
|
On Saturday, October 12, we had a wonderful day at the Fall for Matthews festival! The event featured arts & crafts, food, live music, a pumpkin patch, and a children’s area—a perfect celebration of fall. We loved meeting so many of you who stopped by our booth to shoot some hoops and chat about MARA. Our legacy in Matthews runs deep, and events like this remind us of the strong connections we share in our community.
Thank you for making it such a memorable day!
| |
|
MUMC Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 27
| |
|
On Sunday, October 27, we had a fantastic time at the Trunk or Treat hosted by Matthews United Methodist Church! We handed out over 600 packs of candy and MARA stickers, made new friends, and caught up with old friends. There were plenty of tricks for treats and we loved seeing so many happy kids (and adults) in the Halloween spirit.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth—it was a spook-tacular evening!
| |
MARA Digital Sponsor Directory | |
|
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!
| |
Refer a New Sponsor -
Get a FREE Banner!
| |
|
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.
| |
Interested in sponsoring at MARA? | |
|
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.
| |
Academy Sports + Outdoors is your one-stop shop for the best sports and outdoors gear at the best prices in Charlotte! Academy has six convenient locations in Concord, Gastonia, Kannapolis, Matthews, Mooresville, and Rock Hill. Chase your next adventure with the new equipment and gear from Academy Sports + Outdoors. | |
Click here for your sneak peek into BeLocal's November issue! | |
Click here to download DICK'S Sporting Goods coupons. | |
FAMILY Worship Sunday, Nov. 10 at 9:30 am in the Gym. Special Date: Jingle Jam December 15 at 9:30.
Kids.MatthewsUMC.org
ARTS & CRAFTS EXTRAVAGANZA & Bake Sale Sat. Nov 23 9 am-2pm Pick up holiday gifts and fresh baked goods for your Thanksgiving meal! Details
COMMUNITY MOVIE NIGHT Dec 1 featuring Arthur Christmas from 6-8 pm in the MUMC Parking Lot. Details
PARENTS NIGHT OUT Friday, Dec 6 from 6-8 pm. Do your holiday shopping or have date night while your kiddos enjoy treats, dinner, games, crafts & holiday fun! Register
CHRISTMAS at Matthews UMC: MatthewsUMC.org/Christmas-at-Matthews
Kids Small Groups, Youth Events & More Fun Family Fun at MatthewsUMC.org
| |
|
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 November 25.
We are happy spread your good news!
| | | | |
