Welcome to the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association Website!!

We are a family oriented volunteer organization that provides a fun environment, quality facilities, expert instruction, and the highest level of coaching to ensure every child has an enjoyable learning experience with the opportunity to reach their full potential.   We realize that the success of any organization requires various leaders at all levels. We certainly could not operate or be successful without the endless commitment of all administrators, coaches, volunteers, and you, the valued members of the organization.

We hope this website will provide useful and valuable info for all MARA sports. We provide current key contacts, schedules and tournaments for the upcoming or current seasons. Please be sure to visit regularly to get the latest updates.  Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association is an equal opportunity organization. We also offer sponsorship for disadvantaged children.

by posted 05/04/2012
 

• Pro Athlete International Football Camp. June 18th,19th & 20th from 8:00am-Noon. Cost is $160.00.To register and for more info please visit www.faithfamilyandsports.com. This was a huge success last year and we want it to grow every year.

• Summer Speed & Agility Training by Velocity Sports Performance @ MARA . June 11th - July 30th. Session will be from 9:00-10:15 M-W-F. Cost is $225 if paid up front or $15 for walk up.Ages 6-15, Please register at www.velocitysp.com/charlotte. Get signed up early for this it is great training and will help in any sport you play. This is at a great rate but get in early.

• Velocity Sports performance Football Camp with NFL athlete. July 1oth-12th from 9:00am-Noon.Cost is $225.Ages 6-15 register at www.velocitysp.com/charlotte. We had a great Camp last year with Thomas Davis and Marshall McCfadden who is now signed with the Steelers. We will be naming the Pro athlete in a few weeks.

Matthew D. Baker
President
Coltyn Enterprises,Inc
704-962-0058
www.coltynenterprises.com

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by posted 05/01/2012
 

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by posted 04/27/2012
 

Mara Colts 1^st Annual Golf Tournament! Registration is now open online @ www.marasports.org; Click football tab then click register!!!!!

Please join us for the 1st Annual Mara Colts Golf Classic to benefit the Mara Colts Football Program on June 18th, 2012 at Providence Country Club. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Providence Country club in Charlotte, NC. The event will include a Captain's Choice, lunch, closest to pin, longest drive, 50/50 raffle and prizes. Thank you for your support of the Mara Colts Football Program.

Date:	June 18, 2012
Times:	1:00 pm Shotgun start
Fees:	Individual Golfer: $100.00 Foursomes: $400.00

Matthew D. Baker
President
Coltyn Enterprises,Inc
704-962-0058
www.coltynenterprises.com

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by posted 04/15/2012
 
2012 Registration is on-line Only & Opens April 15th,2012 & closes July 15,th 2012. ALL players registerd after July 15th,2012 will be placed on a wait list even if you are a returning player!
Due to the amount of paperwork involved with Pop Warner it is very important that you take time to read the bullet points below to make sure all required documnets are completed correctly.You will need 2 copies of all documents when you come for paper work certification even if you are a returning player.
You can find all of these under the Documents tab fill them out print & sign.




· Pop Warner 2012 Participant Contract and Parental Consent Form
· Receipt from on-line registration
· Code of Conduct - Football Player & Parent
· 2012 Pop Warner Physical Fitness and Medical History Form *
· Copy of 2011/2012 Full Year Report Card *
· Equipment Deposit Check $150.00 (not cashed)
. Copy of the Player's Birth Certificate

*These forms/paperwork must be submitted by July 20, 2012.

Registration Fee: Fee is $280.00 to play. This includes helmet,gameday pants & jersey with player neam that they keep.Player will be required to provide practice pants,jersey,cleats & mouth piece(not clear)

Pop Warner Physicals:
A Pop Warner physical is required for each player. MARA will set a date in July for physicals. You may choose to use your own physician, please note the 2012 Pop Warner Physical form MUST be signed by your physician as Pop Warner does not accept any other forms. Please note, Pop Warner requires that the physical is completed during the 2012 calendar year.


Refund Policy:
NO REFUNDS for football will be given this season.

To Register Click on the Football Tab at the Top This Page!!!!!!! 

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by posted 03/27/2012
 
Mara Members:

We received an email from Chief Rob Hunter of the Matthews Police Department asking me to communicate to parents & coaches that when parking in the front parking lot (closest to South Trade Street), vehicles SHOULD NOT PARK on the Sidewalk.  There are many citizens who use that sidewalk, including parents pushing strollers, and over the past few weeks, he has observed several vehicles either pulling (straight in parking) to far on to the sidewalk and some (parking parallel) parking half on the side walk and half on the gravel.

He knows it is Mara's desire to be 'good neighbors', and he does not want to have to issue $50 parking fines, but his officers will have to to this if violations continue.

Kathy Duncan
Mara Administrative Assistant





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by posted 03/22/2012
 

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by posted 03/14/2012
 

An Organization of Alumni and Friends Of Babe Ruth League, Inc.   Volume 1, Issue 1 March 2012 Web Site Introducing Diamond Legacy Welcome to the first issue of "Diamond Legacy", the official newsletter of the Babe Ruth League Alumni Association. The association is open to all graduates, volunteers and friends of the Babe Ruth program. This newsletter will be published quarterly and distributed electronically. Since its inception in 1951, millions of kids have benefitted from participation in the Babe Ruth League. There have also been hundreds of volunteers helping and inspiring those kids. Many alumni such as Michael Jordan, Tom Selleck, Jimmy Rollins and Bruce Springsteen have achieved particular distinction in fields such as entertainment, sports and business. The average alumnus, however, is not famous. Most have achieved success by getting an education, raising a family, serving their country, pursuing a career, or supporting their community. These stories are just as inspiring but often go untold. One of the stock features of this newsletter will be to highlight outstanding volunteers who have dedicated their time as coaches and league officials, as well as volunteers who have administered projects that have benefitted the Babe Ruth program, a local league, a community, etc. Another stock feature will be a "graduate's corner" which will highlight the story of a Babe Ruth graduate. The remainder of "Diamond Legacy" will be a work in progress featuring articles to keep the alumni and friends of the association informed about new members, those who have passed, and about programs and activities that the association supports, such as the scholarship program and the Babe Ruth League Hall of Fame. GRADUATE CORNER - FEATURING JOEL HANRAHAN Joel Ryan Hanrahan, nicknamed The Hammer, is a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before becoming an All-Star closer, Joel was a pitcher and a catcher on the Gainesville, Florida Babe Ruth League Pirates team. Read More Thank You Virginia Babe Ruth Leagues - Click here to Read Longtime Volunteer Manny Gouveia Celebrates 60th - Read More The Babe Ruth League Scholarship Program - Read More Letter from the Chairman - Click here to Read How Can You Help the BRL Alumni Association - Click Here Special Thanks To Those Who Contribute - Click Here In Memory of Those We Lost - Click Here Click Here to Download Babe Ruth League Alumni Association Brochure Diamond Legacy Editors Evelyn Skiendziel Clifton, New Jersey Evelyn is an Assistant Regional Commissioner for the Middle Atlantic Babe Ruth Leagues. Owen Kaufman Mound Ridge, Kansas Owen serves as Assistant Regional Commissioner for the Midwest Plains Babe Ruth Leagues. Babe Ruth League, Inc. Alumni Association A Non-profit Tax-Exempt Organization 1770 Brunswick Pike, P. O. Box 5000, Trenton, NJ 08638 609-695-1434 (PHONE) ¨ 609-695-2505 (FAX) www.baberuthleague.org Follow the Babe Ruth Alumni Association on Facebook If you do not wish to receive further emails from us, please ®2012 BRL Alumni Association All Rights Reserved

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by webmaster posted 03/06/2012
 
Lost and Found is Located at Main Concessions. Check There Before You Call. They are open from 6:00PM to 8:30pm During the Week and from 9AM to 3pm on Saturday During the Spring and Fall Season. 704-847-0177
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by posted 03/03/2012
 
Our Bambino program received some much appreciated press in last week's Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly. It also included a nice shout out to our long time sponsor, Speedway Childrens Charities. To read the article online, click on the link below.

Reminder to all MARA players ages 12 and older - the Bambino program is always looking for Buddies so please make sure to go on the Special Needs tabs and forward your information.

http://www.matthewsminthillweekly.com/news/2012/02/batter-up/
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by posted 01/12/2012
 
Dear MARA Families,
 
We are beginning our annual sponsorship campaign and need your support!  While registration fees cover a large portion of our costs, we rely heavily on sponsorships and member donations to support our ability to make capital improvements and upgrades to the park.
 
In coordination with this year’s Founders Banquet, our committee is attempting to raise the needed funds to support four key projects at MARA this year.  Our ability to complete these projects will directly impact your family’s experience at MARA this year and well into the future.  Provided below are details of the projects we are working to make happen.
 

1. New backstop, dugouts, batting cage, and fencing for the softball field.  COST: $25,000

• Our 30-year-old backstop and fencing have multiple holes.  Backstop holes restrict the age groups we can safely play.
• The field has one batting cage but needs a second so additional teams can practice.
• The softball program has grown from 40 girls to 300 players in five years.  They all play on the one field and the increased use has taken its toll.

 

2. Field 13 Drainage project for field 13.  COST: $10,000

Poor drainage makes this field unplayable for up to days after a rainstorm, with many ripple effects:

• Games must be rescheduled
• Field 12 gets over used
• Teams are limited to only one practice per week prior to the opening day during rainy periods.
• This field is unusable for revenue-generating tournaments.

 

3. Babe Ruth Field Dugout Replacements.  COST: $15,000

• These 20-year-old dugouts are falling apart.  While we’d like to kick this project off during spring 2012 it may be delayed until fall 2012.

 

4. New Football Helmets.  COST: $10,000

• Manufacturers have made great strides in helmet technology, and we’d like to update our football equipment to reflect this.

 
As a 501c3 not profit organization, donations of all sizes are TAX DEDUCTIBLE, and can go a long way. 
 
YOU CAN HELP MARA ACHIEVE THESE GOALS IN ONE OF FOUR WAYS:
 
Become a Sponsor: 
We offer varying levels of sponsorship that ensure your company’s name appears on the back of team jerseys, and/or gets strategically placed for maximum exposure at Goodman Park. Sponsorship details are available here:
 
http://files.leagueathletics.com/text/documents/2194/31793.pdf
 
Ask Your Employer for a Donation:
If you prefer, pass along your employer’s name to the sponsorship committee and we will make the call!
 
Tanja Polk
Ali Milligan
Virginia Franco
Laurie Huwes
 
Make a Donation and ask for a corporate match:
Many local businesses offer this fantastic option.  Our sponsorship committee will do all the work for you to get the corporate match.
 
Make a small personal donation:
Help MARA out, and get a tax-break for yourself!  Donations are easy to make online, and we’ll mail you a receipt promptly.  Donations of $250 or more will receive tickets to this year’s Founders Banquet on February 11^th.  It is easy to make an online donation at https://leagueathletics.com/userform.asp?regid=69217&org=marasports.org
 
If you have any questions about donations, please feel free to contact Kathy Duncan at or Tanja Polk at .  Thank you in advance for your continued support!
 
The Sponsorship Committe
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by posted 01/11/2012
 

MARA

Offers valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012

MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012             MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012             MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012             MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012             MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012             MARA Valid 01/01/2012 - 07/01/2012

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by posted 10/23/2011
 
Dear MARA Families,
 
In an ongoing effort to make the Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association the finest youth sports organization in the area, we are making several improvements and additions to our park security. These features will protect the organizations assets as well as providing an extra level of safety to you and your children.
First and foremost, many of you may have already noticed the security gates at the park entrance at the stoplight. These gates are currently locked open to allow everyone time to adjust to seeing them. We will begin utilizing these gates on a daily basis on Friday, October 21, 2011. The Board of Directors has adopted Park Hours that will be enforced. The new park hours are as follows:

            Monday – Friday: Park opens at 3:00 pm and closes at 10:00 pm
            Saturday: Park opens at 7:00 am and closes at 10:00 pm
            Sunday: Park opens at 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm
There will be numerous signs posted around the park grounds stating the new hours as well as being posted on the MARA website.
During the Winter months (Mid-November through Mid-February) the gates will remain closed on most days as our primary field sports, baseball, softball and football; are off season. During summer months, the weekday hours will adjust to an 8:00 am opening to allow for All Star team practices and to accommodate the numerous summer camps held at MARA.
The upper parking lot will not be gated and will be open year round for MARA members to park and utilize the park grounds during operating hours when the main gates are locked during the Winter.
Our second measure of security is the installation of video surveillance cameras for the park grounds and property. We have a number of cameras that are being installed and will record 24 hours a day to provide video evidence for vandalism, theft and other crimes.
Thank you for being a part of this wonderful organization and supporting the new security enhancements to the park!
 
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by posted 09/01/2011
 

MARA Members:

I hope everyone is enjoying the season!

Thank you for your patience and understanding regarding our crowded parking lot during the busy fall season. We are hoping to have 40 additional parking spaces on the MARA complex in early 2012 or sooner.

The Mathews Police Department has notified us that anyone parking in the Chesney Glen Subdivision must do so in a fashion that does not impede traffic or visibility into and out of the neighborhood. In addition, anyone parking in front of a residence must stay on the road and not in a yard without blocking access into a driveway.

Any improper parking issue within the Chesney Glen Subdivision can result in a citation and/or towing of a vehicle(s).  

 
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by Webmaster posted 12/26/2010
 

MARA Park Rules
For Your Saftey  And The Safety Of Others
Park Speed Limit is 15MPH


 

NO     Dogs Allowed In the Park
NO     Inappropriate  Use OF Language
NO     Handguns Or Weapons Of Any Kind
NO     Drugs Allowed In the Park
NO     Alcoholic Beverages
NO     Tobacco Use Of Any Kind
NO     Bicycles
NO     Motorized Bikes, Go Carts, ATV'S OR Scooters
NO     Skateboards, Roller blades, or Roller Skates
NO     RC/ Airplanes, Model Rockets   
NO     Fireworks
NO     Kicking or Batting Balls Into Fences
NO     Climbing Fences Or Trees
NO     Climbing On Buildings Or Roofs
NO     Parking on Sidewalks (Matthews Police will ticket 
          YOU!)

Mara Is A Privately Owned And Operated Complex. It Is Not A Public Park. Use of Fields Are For Association Members Only.  Unauthorized Use Of This Property Will Be Viewed As Trespassing.  Violators Will Be Prosecuted For Any Of The Above.      
   

 

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by posted 09/05/2008
 

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