Congratulations to Coaches Rippetoe, Gunn, and Patterson for leading our 8U Team to a well-deserved victory in the Fall 23 Char-Meck Softball Championship! Coach Rippetoe's strategic prowess sets the stage for another promising run in the upcoming Spring Season. Across all divisions, our teams showcased impressive performances in deep playoff runs and we're eager to build on this softball success.

As we gear up for the exciting Spring season, mark your calendars with these key dates:

• Monday, January 1st: Registration opens for all divisions (Tentative for 6U and up)

• Thursday, January 31st: Registration closes for 8U, 10U, 13U, and 18U

• Saturday, February 3rd: Assessments for 8U, 10U, 13U, and 18U

• Sunday, February 4th: 8U and up draft; teams formed

• Saturday, February 17th: Practices kick off this week for 8U and up divisions

• Sunday, February 18th: Challenge Teams tryouts

• Wednesday, February 28th: Registration for 6U closes

• Saturday, March 2nd: 6U - Play it Day - Picnic & Open Practice

• Sunday, March 3rd: 6U teams formed - Draft/Assignment

• Friday, March 8th: 6U practices begin this week 

• Friday, March 15th: 8U, 10U, 12U, 18U Flex Open Practice Invitationals

• Monday, March 18th: Flex Invitations Sent - Team Formation

For any questions, feel free to reach out via email at s[email protected] or shoot me a text at 631-691-9542. 

We look forward to an amazing season ahead!

Thanks,

Eddie Hernandez
MARA Softball Commissioner 

MARA Fastpitch Softball is proud to be one of the largest single softball associations in the region. We are a family-focused organization centered on recreational play for girls aged 4 to 18. Matthews-area kids grow up on MARA's fields, as did many of their parents. It's a great place to come and play ball, and a community of families watching their young ballplayers learn and grow in one of the best facilities around. Read on and browse through the categories to the left to learn more.

Our softball teams play ball under the umbrella of Char-Meck Girls Softball, which includes local associations to the south of Charlotte such as Myers Park, South Charlotte, Weddington, Mint Hill and Porter Ridge, to name a few. We field teams based on age at the following levels:

• 6U
• 8U
• 10U
• 13U
• 18U

The quality of our coaching is very important; all of our coaches undergo a rigorous background check prior to each season. Our teams play and are coached to ensure the best balance between skill development, fair play and enjoyment of the game. Our strength is our dedicated cast of volunteers who give of their time to make MARA great. Our softball fields are centrally located in Arthur Goodman Park in Matthews, a few steps from a softball-specific bullpen, batting cages, newly constructed restrooms and a full-service concession stand.

In addition to recreational-level play, MARA Softball has multiple offerings for competitive play via the Challenge and Flex team programs. These teams play in local weekend tournaments and provide the opportunity for highly skilled players to advance their experience and ability while maintaining their roots at MARA.

MARA's fees for participation are among the most affordable in the area and include uniforms, participation, field use, insurance and umpires. We fully outfit our players with softball pants, jerseys, and socks.

All team practices are held at MARA, as are at least half of every team's games. The average distance to away fields is only nine miles, and the most distant away games are played on the weekend, not during the school week.

If you have any questions about MARA Softball, feel free to contact the Softball Commissioner, Eddie Hernandez, at [email protected]

We hope to see you on the field!