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Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

Tackle Football Registration

2026 Tackle Football

MARA is one of 15 associations participating in the Pop Warner Little Panthers League in the greater Charlotte area.  Practice begins July 15, 2026 and games begin in late August or early September. 
Tackle Football is for players aged 7 - 12. Player age is based on their age as of July 14th of the current year. The cost of registration is $390 and includes equipment (helmet/shoulder pads), practice jersey, and personalized game uniform. All other equipment (e.g., mouth guards, cleats) are not included and will need to be purchased separately.

There are (currently) six (6) age divisions of play (we may add additional teams in other age divisions depending on registration numbers) :

  • 8U is for 7-8 no weight restrictions

  • 9U is for ages 7-8-9 - no weight restrictions (all 7-year-olds will be moved to 8U

  • 10U is for ages 8-9-10 - no weight restrictions

  • 11U is for ages 9-10-11 - no weight restrictions

  • 12U is for ages 10-11-12 - no weight restrictions


Refund Policy: Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) incurs various league, medical, security, uniform, insurance, and administrative fees which are not refundable to the organization. Therefore, if you withdraw your player fifteen (15) days or more before the stated registration period closes for a sport, we will provide a refund of the total registration fee, LESS A $50 Admin Fee. Otherwise, we do not provide any refunds for a player withdrawing from the program

Football U8

Registration closes on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM
Season Dates: 07/15/2026 to 11/15/2026
Show Details
$390.00

Football U9

Registration closes on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM
 Season Dates: 07/15/2026 to 11/15/2026
Show Details
$390.00

Football U10

Registration closes on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM
Season Dates: 07/15/2026 to 11/15/2026
Show Details
$390.00

Football U11

Registration closes on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM
 Season Dates: 07/15/2026 to 11/15/2026
Show Details
$390.00

Football U12

Registration closes on 07/31/2026 at 12:00 AM
Season Dates: 07/15/2026 to 11/15/2026
Show Details
$390.00

Football Camp/Clinic Registration

2026 Rugby-style Tackling Camp

Prepare for the upcoming Pop Warner tackle football season with safer, smarter tackling at the MARA Colts Rugby-Style Tackling Camp.

Built around the proven techniques taught by USA Football certification programs, this camp emphasizes heads-up, shoulder-led contact, proper body positioning, and controlled wrap-and-drive mechanics to reduce risk and build confidence.

Players will learn how to track the ball carrier, maintain balance, and execute effective angle tackling, gang tackling and pursuit drills without leading with the helmet. These habits translate directly to safer, more effective play on the field.

Perfect for athletes of all experience levels, this camp focuses on fundamentals, repetition, and game-ready technique in a positive, instructional environment.

Dates: July 13 and 14
Times: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Elon Park, 11401 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Equipment: Cleats, a towel, plenty of water, and a hardworking, coachable attitude.

All campers will receive a T-shirt.

Tackling

Registration closes on 07/10/2026 at 05:00 PM
Season Dates: 07/13/2026 to 07/14/2026
Show Details
$135.00

2026 Lineman Development Camp

Join us for a weekly, 1-hour lineman development camp designed specifically for youth athletes. This camp focuses on building foundational skills, improving technique, and enhancing football IQ for players who want to dominate in the trenches.
 
Camp Highlights:
           •         Run blocking and pass protection fundamentals
           •         Footwork, hand placement, and leverage drills
           •         Position-specific coaching and reps
           •         Competitive one-on-one matchups
           •         Led by experienced offensive and defensive line coaches

Dates: Every Wednesday from April 15 - June 24
Times: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: MARA

Lineman Development Camp

Registration closes on 06/19/2026 at 05:00 PM
Season Dates: 04/15/2026 to 06/24/2026
Show Details
$165.00

2026 Speed and Conditioning Camp

The MARA Colts Speed & Conditioning Camp is built to develop the core athletic skills every football player needs to succeed on the field.
Athletes will work through position-relevant drills that improve speed, agility, balance, coordination, and overall conditioning.
Sessions will emphasize key techniques like acceleration, deceleration, and quick change of direction, essential for game-day performance.

This multi-day camp not only helps athletes elevate their performance, but also gives players the opportunity to complete their required tackle football conditioning hours in a focused, high-energy environment.

Camp Dates: 7/6-7/10
Times: 6:30-8:30 PM
Location: Elon Park, 11401 Ardrey Kell Rd, Charlotte, NC 28277

Required Equipment: Football cleats, plenty of water, a towel, and a hardworking attitude.

Camp t-shirts will be provided to all participants.

Get ready to put in the work and hit the 2026 tackle football season at full speed!

Speed and Conditioning

Registration closes on 07/03/2026 at 05:00 PM
Season Dates: 07/06/2026 to 07/10/2026
Show Details
$165.00

2026 Brian Hales Champions Camp

A 3-day camp aimed at increasing the football IQ of every player who attends. We will provide hands-on-teaching of football skills. We are very excited to have the State Champion Head Football Coach of The Butler Bulldogs, Brian Hales, as our host for this event. The camp is open to all players regardless of where they choose to play football.

Each child in attendance will receive instruction on the position-specific fundamentals of the game of football

Each day will consist of fundamental stations (QB, receiver, running backs, offensive/defensive line, linebacker, & defensive back play and drills)

Camp Dates: Thursday, June 18 - Saturday, June 20

Day 1 - 630 to 830p, Day 2 - 630 to 830p, Day 3 - 9-11a

BONUS - Pizza party on Friday night - BONUS

Camp cost $100

Coed Ages 7-13

Refund Policy
MARA incurs league, medical, security, uniform, insurance, and administrative costs that are not refundable.
• Withdraw 15+ days before registration closes → refund LESS $50 admin fee
• Otherwise → NO refunds

Registration Insurance (Strongly Recommended)
During registration, you will have the option to purchase registration insurance.
This covers certain situations such as:
• Injury or illness
• Schedule conflicts
• Other qualifying events
👉 This is the ONLY protection available for registration fees.
👉 If there is any chance your player may not complete the season, you should strongly consider selecting this option.

Champions Camp

Registration closes on 06/19/2026 at 12:00 PM
Season Dates: 06/18/2026 to 06/20/2026
$100.00

Girls ONLY Flag Football Registration

2026 Girls ONLY Fall Flag Football

Refund Policy: Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) incurs various league, medical, security, uniform, insurance, and administrative fees which are not refundable to the organization. Therefore, if you withdraw your player fifteen (15) days or more before the stated registration period closes for a sport, we will provide a refund of the total registration fee, LESS A $50 Admin Fee. Otherwise, we do not provide any refunds for a player withdrawing from the program.

MARA Colts Girls ONLY Flag Football

Registration Opens: June 1, 2026

First Practice: Sunday, August 30, 2026

Games Start: Sunday, September 13, 2026

Games End: Sunday, October 18, 2026

Playoffs: Sunday, October 25, 2026

Game Day: Sunday

Practices: Practices are generally held on Sundays 1 hour before games during the season.

Who Can Play: Girls ages 7–14

Where: MARA – 1200 S. Trade Street, Matthews, NC 28105

Cost: $175 per child

Girls ONLY Flag Football gives players their own space to learn the game, build confidence, compete, and be part of the MARA Colts Football family. New and returning players are welcome.

Not ready yet, but still have questions about MARA Colts Girls ONLY Flag Football? Email us for the fastest response: [email protected]

**Age divisions are based on the date of August 31, 2026. This means the division is based on the player’s age as of 8/31/2026. Divisions may be adjusted, as needed, to balance the number of players per team and division.

Mitey Mite (MM)

Registration opens on 06/01/2026 at 12:59 AM
Season Dates: 08/30/2026 to 10/26/2026
Show Details
$175.00
Registration opens in:

Junior Pee Wee (JPW)

Registration opens on 06/01/2026 at 12:59 AM
 Season Dates: 08/30/2026 to 10/26/2026
Show Details
$175.00
Registration opens in:

Pee Wee (PW)

Registration opens on 06/01/2026 at 12:59 AM
Season Dates: 08/30/2026 to 10/26/2026
Show Details
$175.00
Registration opens in:

Flag Football Registration

No Programs are Currently Displayed

There are no programs or divisions available at the moment. Please contact your club administrator with any questions.

Contact

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association
PO Box 1023 
Matthews, North Carolina 28106

Phone: 704-847-0752
Email: [email protected]

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