2026 Spring Football Cheer Information

Registration Opens: January 15, 2026

Late fees apply after: February 22  |  Registration closes: March 2

SEASON

Spring Football Cheer runs from mid-March through mid-May. Games are on Saturdays; make-up games (if needed) may be held on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons.

PRACTICE

All teams practice on Wednesday evenings.

UNIFORMS

MARA will be using the same uniforms from Spring Cheer 2025. If you are new to MARA Spring Cheer or need a new uniform because the previous one no longer fits, please select that option during registration—the registration price will be adjusted to include the uniform cost.

• All registrations include a bow.
• Pom poms are provided and must be returned at the end of the season.
• Athletes must provide their own all-white cheer (athletic) shoes.

COST

Base registration fee: $155

Late fees apply after February 22. Registration closes on March 2.

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association (MARA) incurs league, medical, security, uniform, insurance, and administrative fees which are not refundable. If a player withdraws fifteen (15) days or more before registration closes, a refund will be issued minus a $50 administrative fee. No refunds are issued after that point.

EXPERIENCE

No previous cheer experience is required! This program is great for first-time cheerleaders and all skill levels. There are no tryouts. We ask that participants arrive ready to learn with a positive attitude, bright smile, and a LOUD cheer voice.

AGE REQUIREMENTS

Open to athletes ages 4½ to 11. Athletes turning 5 during the season are eligible. Age is determined as of 7/15/2026.

Teams

• Mini Team: up to age 7
• Junior Team: ages 8–11

LOCATION

Arthur Goodman Memorial Park
1200 S Trade St, Matthews, NC 28105

In the event of inclement weather or field unavailability, practices may be held off-site at a local school or gym.

COACHES / TEAM SUPERVISORS

This program is volunteer-run, and the number of teams depends on adult participation. No experience is required. Interested in volunteering? Complete an application here: https://www.marasports.org/Default.aspx?tabid=926588

All volunteers must complete a background check and required sport-specific certifications.

QUESTIONS?

Email us at [email protected]