Dear MARA Families, Volunteers, Community Partners, and Staff, | The air is starting to feel crisp, which means the fall season is upon us! This year, we’ve been fortunate to see so many student athletes participating at MARA across football, cheerleading, baseball, softball, track, girls flag football, and co-ed flag football. Each program continues to grow, and it’s wonderful to see the energy around the park every evening and throughout the weekends. | Last month, MARA hosted one of the largest football jamborees in recent history, with an impressive 23 teams taking the field. On August 30th, football and cheer opened their regular season, filling the stands with families and fans. Softball begins on September 6th, followed by baseball on September 13th. GIRLS Only Flag Football practices are already underway, with games kicking off on Sunday, September 7. | Were also excited to announce our upcoming Softball Game Fundraiser! This special event is a chance for our MARA community to come together and support our local first responders while enjoying an afternoon of fun and softball. Mark your calendars and bring your family and friends—every cheer, ticket, and smile helps us give back to those who keep our community safe. Let’s show our athletes and our heroes the power of the MARA family! | As parents, friends, and family, watching our athletes compete often brings out strong emotions. The highs and lows of sports are part of the journey. This fall, let’s commit to channeling that passion into positive encouragement. Celebrate effort, support good sportsmanship, and remember that our example sets the tone for our athletes, coaches, and community. | None of what we do would be possible without the tireless efforts of our coaches, staff, and the many volunteers who give their time to MARA. From preparing the fields to organizing schedules, from leading practices to cheering from the sidelines, your dedication makes these opportunities possible for every athlete. On behalf of the board and families, thank you for all that you do. | We are thrilled for another great season and look forward to seeing you around the fields. Thank you for being part of MARA and for helping us create a supportive and uplifting environment for all of our athletes. | Here’s to a fantastic fall season! | |
Justin Vandergrift
MARA Board President
| | Click here to participate in our September Newsletter Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Mac's Speed Shop! | | Mark your calendars for Friday, October 11 as Matthews Fire/EMS takes on Matthews Police in an exciting softball showdown! Gates open at 4:30 PM with the game starting at 6:30 PM, followed by a Home Run Derby. MARA is proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Matthews to host this special fundraiser supporting our local first responders. | | Bring the whole family for balloon twisters, a photo booth, a DJ, Homer from the Charlotte Knights, raffles, and concessions – there’s something for everyone! | | Tickets are FREE! Reserve yours today!. | | Looking to make an even bigger impact? Sponsorship opportunities are available to support this important cause and gain recognition for your business in the community. | | Don’t miss this chance to have fun while giving back! | | We are now accepting nominations for several open Board seats! The election will be held on Tuesday, November 18, during our Annual MARA Member Meeting. If you’re ready to make an impact, submit your nomination today! | | MARA Park Improvement Day | | A huge THANK YOU to all the families, players, and volunteers who came out for MARA’s Park Improvement Day this past Saturday! | | Because of your hard work, the park is looking better than ever and ready for Opening Day. We couldn’t do it without our amazing MARA community! | | Field 8 Batting Cage – The old cage has been removed and a new pad installed! While early August rains caused some delays, the new cage will be ready for use in the coming weekends. | | Fields 12 & 13 Dugouts – Brand-new dugouts are underway! Field 12’s structures are complete and awaiting shingles, while Field 13’s old dugouts have been removed and new construction is about to begin. Both are expected to be finished in the next few weekends. | | Field 12 Batting Cage – A brand-new net and screening material have been installed, replacing the old, worn equipment. This upgrade enhances both safety and playability for our athletes. | | Softball Field 4 – A new bridge has been built at the dugout entrance, replacing the old rotting railroad ties. The smooth surface is a major improvement for players, coaches, and equipment access. | | Football – A new tackling station has been installed to help athletes practice proper technique. This addition will benefit hundreds of players for years to come. | | Fall sports are almost here, and Academy Sports + Outdoors is giving MARA families an exclusive offer! Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase September 5–7, 2025. | | Shop in-store at your local Academy or online at academy.com—just present the attached coupon with the barcode at checkout to receive your discount. Don’t miss this last chance to stock up on all your gear before the season kicks off! | | FREE Softball & Baseball Hit Night at D-BAT! | | MARA and D-BAT Indian Trail are teaming up to host Hit Night—a fun evening of batting practice, pizza, and community! | | |
Softball: Thursday, September 11
6:00–7:00 PM (6U & 8U)
7:00–8:00 PM (10U–18U)
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Baseball: Friday, September 12
6:00–7:00 PM (AA & AAA)
7:00–8:00 PM (Minors & Majors)
| | This event is FREE for all players and includes pizza! While there’s no cost, we kindly ask that you register in advance for planning purposes. | | From September 13–20, every coupon redeemed at Jersey Mike’s (3116 Weddington Rd.) will help support MARA. For each coupon used, Jersey Mike’s will donate $3 directly to MARA, fueling programs that keep our athletes active and growing. | | This is a delicious way to make a difference! Whether you’re grabbing lunch for yourself or bringing the whole family or team for dinner, your meal helps strengthen our community and support the kids who make MARA so special. Don’t forget to clip a coupon, share with your friends and family, and enjoy a sub! | | Join us on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Christ Covenant Church (800 Fullwood Lane, Matthews, NC) for an evening of community engagement and thoughtful discussion. | | This free, nonpartisan forum will feature candidates for Matthews Town Commissioner and Mayor of Matthews, offering residents the chance to hear directly from those running for office. Learn about their priorities, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into their vision for the future of our town. | | The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Registration is requested for planning purposes. | | Now that practices are in full swing, make your evenings easier (and tastier) with our concessions. Fresh Domino's Pizza and Bubba burgers are made fresh and available | | |
Hours of Operation:
- Tuesday–Thursday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (both stands)
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM (Small Stand)
- Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Main Stand)
| | Don't forget - order ahead to skip the line and get your favorites quicker. | | Please note: Concession hours are subject to change based on park events. | | |
This fall, we’re launching a special social media series to celebrate our incredible MARA athletes—past and present—from all sports! Whether you played baseball, softball, football, basketball, cheer, track, or participated in our Bambino Buddy-Ball program, we want to hear from you!
We’re looking for former players to feature: share a photo from your days at MARA and let us know where you’re playing now. Whether you continued your sport in high school, college, or beyond, we want to highlight your journey and inspire the next generation.
| | Do you know someone who should be featured? Please email Dana Bouque at dana@marasports.net for more information! | | |
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!
| | We are thrilled to welcome back two amazing partners — Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Cantina Louie — for another season of support! Their continued commitment means so much to our athletes and families. | | We are also very excited to announce two fantastic new sponsors joining the lineup this fall: Play It Again Sports Matthews and The Local Scoop! Thank you for stepping up to the plate and helping us knock this season out of the park! | | MARA's Home Run Hitter's Club is proudly sponsored by: | | |
921 Park Center Dr., Suite 105, Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 443-9150
| | 10046-A E Independence Blvd.
Matthews, NC 28105
(704) 246-6445
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2225 Matthews Township Pkwy,
Suite C, Matthews, N
(980) 339-3007
| | 105 W. Charles St., Matthews
5255 Ballanytne Commons Pkwy
1600 W. Woodlawn Rd., #110 | | We are seeking dedicated coaches for our Fall 2025 Juniors & Seniors Baseball League. This is a fantastic opportunity to have fun, share your knowledge, and guide our young athletes as they grow on and off the field. | | |
Open Positions:
- 16U: Head Coach & Assistant Coach
- 14U: Two Assistant Coaches
| | Congratulations to our Tournament Champs! | |
10U MARA Cobras
Top Gun Tournament Champions - Shipyard
August 30-31, 2025
| | Girls & Women in Sports Night | | On Thursday, August 14, our MARA Colts Cheerleaders brought the spirit to Girls & Women in Sports Night with the Charlotte Knights at Truist Field! | | From performing cheers on the dugouts between innings to pumping up the players as they were introduced, our cheerleaders shined bright under the stadium lights. | | It was such a joy to see their energy and excitement on such a special night. Even more, we were proud to be part of an evening that celebrated girls and women and all of their incredible accomplishments in sports — past, present, and future. | | Fall 2025 Tackle Football Jamboree | | MARA was proud to once again host the Pop Warner Tackle Football Jamboree, welcoming tackle football families from across the area! | | Representing communities all around us — our MARA Colts, Mint Hill Ravens, Couloak Steelers, South Charlotte Patriots, Carolina Broncos, Harrisburg Cowboys, I Got Next Wolfpack, and Odell Eagles, just to name a few — hit the fields for scrimmages in the 7–12 age groups. From 9 AM to 2 PM, every team played twice, kicking off an exciting season ahead. | Huge thanks to all the teams, coaches, volunteers, and families who made the day a success. Here’s to an incredible 2025 season of youth tackle football! | | 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. | | Congratulations to our tournament champions! | | |
10U MARA Chaos
TopGun Tournament Champions
August 23, 2025
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We are extremely grateful to our sponsors for their incredible support and generosity. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our athletes and our community.
Thank you for being an essential part of our team!
| | Interested in Partnering with 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.
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PARENT'S NIGHT OUT- Friday, Sept 19 from 6:00PM – 8:00PM in The Commons
Parents/Guardians enjoy a night out while your kiddos (Infant – 6th Grade) enjoy a night filled with: Treats, Dinner, Games, Crafts, Fall-Time Fun, & So Much More! Cost: Kids ages 4 yrs – 6th grade, $10 per kid. Nursery is available Infant – 3 years old, $10 per family. REGISTER
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COMMUNITY BINGO NIGHT- Friday, Oct 10 from 5:30PM – 7:30PM in The Gym
Enjoy a delicious, cozy fall inspired dinner followed by Bingo & a chance to win some awesome non-cash prizes. Cost: $30 for two or more participants, $10 for a single ticket. Nursery available for kids 3 & under for $10 per family. REGISTER
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SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH GROUP for Rising 7th-12th Graders
Youth Group at Matthews UMC offers a variety of activities, events, retreats, spiritual growth & connections. Sign Up this fall!
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NEW WOMEN'S GROUP- Starting Sept 18 at 8:00PM in Room 158
Selah Rising is a new women's group (ages 30-60) with a unique blend of topics and activities, aimed to help you experience mental, physical & spiritual growth. Inspirational topics, support & friendships, special events & sweet treat! Meets the 3rd Thursday each month at 8:00PM at Matthews UMC. REGISTER
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*Kids & Youth Small Groups & Other Events at MatthewsUMC.org
Matthews United Methodist: 801 South Trade St. Matthews, NC 28105
| | Check out this satisfying, easy-to-make snack suggestion from our partner Novant Health. It packs protein, flavor and satisfaction into one healthy treat. | | |
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 September 25.
We are happy spread your news!
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