Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

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Welcome to MARA Basketball

MARA Basketball is a true teaching league where boys and girls, ages 5 - 14, can enjoy the game of basketball with strong coaching and plenty of playing time to hone their skills, work with a team, and build confidence. MARA is the place to play in South Charlotte and Union County where our goal is for players to learn the game of basketball, play smart, create life-long memories, and HAVE FUN!

2025-2026 Winter Basketball Leagues

The MARA Basketball Program is expanding to encourage players to select the level of developmental and competitive play that suits them best.

MARA Co-Ed League for Ages 5-6
This league consists of MARA teams playing against each other with a focus on foundational development.

Boys Flight League for Ages 8-14
Local league playing a mix of MARA teams and local organizations. 10 regular season games plus playoffs and tournaments.

Boys Pro League for Ages 7-13
Competitive local travel league. Saturday games only. 5 home games at Crews Recreation Center, Crestdale Middle School, or Mint Hill Middle School. 5 away games with the majority located in Union County.

Girls Pro League for Ages 8-13
Competitive local travel league. 5 home games at Crews Recreation Center, Crestdale Middle School, or Mint Hill Middle School. 5 away games with the majority located in Union County.

Key Dates and Logistics

Age group is based on age of player as of August 31, 2025

Registration opens September 14, 2025

Registration closes on October 31, 2025

Assessments will be held the week of November 2, 2025

Practices begin the week of November 9, 2025

WHY MARA Basketball?

Each division is structured per USA Youth Basketball Rules

One, 1-hour practice per week with games played either on Saturdays or Sundays

Certified Referees

Maximum court time and game opportunities
(8-10 games with playoffs)

No running clock, 4 quarter games
(32 minute games in all divisions, and no running clock which is rare)

Must play rules in effect

Teams will play against other MARA teams and against other local recreation associations.

Games are held on Saturdays or Sundays, with home games taking place at Crestdale Middle School, Mint Hill Middle School, or Crews Recreation Center.

Basketball Commissioner

For more information and questions about MARA Basketball, please contact:

Keith Jones
Basketball Commissioner
[email protected]

Basketball Registration

2025-2026 Winter Basketball

MARA Basketball is The Place to Play in South Charlotte! Boys and Girls enjoy competitive basketball in a great learning and game environment. Leagues are based on the players AGE AS OF AUGUST 31, 2025!!!

More information under the BASKETBALL tab!

Questions: Keith Jones @ [email protected]

Please read our refund policy before you register!!!!!!

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.