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Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

Matthews Athletic & Recreation Association

MARA BAMBINO BUDDY-BALL



Welcome to MARA Bambino Buddy-Ball!

Scroll down page to register. In order to provide the best experience for our players, space is very limited. 

Bambino Buddy-Ball is for boys, and girls and young adults, ages 5-20, living with special needs (mental and/or physical) that have the desire to play organized non-competitive baseball. Players are paired with MARA volunteers where they learn baseball skills and experience the thrill of team play and camaraderie in a safe, loving, and fun environment. Our program also helps to develop confidence and a positive self-esteem!

For more information about the National Babe Ruth League Bambino Buddy-Ball program visit:  https://www.baberuthleague.org/bambino-buddy-ball.aspx


Bambino Buddy-Ball Player Registration

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BAMBINO BUDDY-BALL: PROGRAM DETAILS


How do I know if my child should sign up for this program?

If your child is not able to play traditional recreational sports then this program is for them!


Program Details:

Who: 
Boys, girls, and young adults, ages 5-20, living with a special need (mental and/or physical)

Where: 
MARA, Arthur Goodman Memorial Park, FIELD 2*

When: 
Sundays, 2:00 pm

Start date: 
March 2, 2025
(dates are subject to change due to weather)

End date: 
April 27, 2025
(we will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 20)

Duration:
6-8 Sundays, 60 minutes

What to Bring: 
A glove and a bat if you have one. If you don't have one, no worries - we have extras!

Included in Registration:
Uniform shirt, team photo, and a recognition medal

Cost:
FREE

*New field location

BECOMING A BAMBINO BUDDY: VOLUNTEER INFO

AT THIS TIME WE ARE AT CAPACITY WITH VOLUNTEERS


Thank you for your interest in becoming a Buddy for our Bambino Buddy-Ball athletes
. The suggested age for our Buddies is 12 years or older* and a MARA member is a bonus but not a must!

Commitment:
Buddies are expected to attend all 8 sessions, as consistent participation is important for creating a great experience. While we understand that life happens, we ask that Buddies make every effort to attend each session and limit absences when possible.The program will consist of 6-8 Sundays (weather permitting).

When:
Season will start on March 2, 2025 and end on April 27, 2025. Each session will begin at 2:00 pm and last about 60-75 minutes. Buddies will assist with set-up and clean-up so it’s approximately a 1 1/2 to 2 hour commitment each Sunday. Arrival time is 1:45 pm. We will not meet on Easter Sunday, April 20. 

Where:
MARA, Arthur Goodman Memorial Park, Field #2

Why:
Bambino Buddy-Ball aims to 
help our kids learn baseball skills and how to play the game while experiencing the thrill of team play and camaraderie.  Becoming a Buddy is a great way to get involved in the community and it counts as community service hours for school or scout requirements (if needed).

Experience:
No experience is necessary.  All you need is a positive attitude, a big smile and a little knowledge of baseball. We will provide the mandatory training prior to the start of the program for all volunteers. A volunteer t-shirt will also be provided for all Buddies.

NOTE: Registration does not automatically guarantee that you will be a buddy. It depends on the number of player participants that sign up. We will confirm your status in late February. We always need back-up Buddies as well! The number of sessions you can attend will get priority.

*For volunteers 18 years old and older a background check will need to be submitted. MARA covers the cost of this and a waiver code will be provided. 


Bambino Buddy-Ball is a complimentary program offered to our families.  However, MARA is a 501(c)3 and any contribution is graciously accepted.

If you would like to donate to our program, please click here. Please specify it is for Bambino Buddy-Ball!

BAMBINO BUDDY-BALL CONTACT INFO

If you have questions or would like more information, please send an Email and either Coach Rick or Monique will get back to you. 



Rick Johnston, Commissioner & Head Coach

Bambino Buddy-Ball is Proudly Sponsored By:

 



Are you interested in learning more about becoming a Bambino Buddy-Ball Sponsor? 
Please email Dana Bouque, Director of Sponsorship, for more details.

Contact

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

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

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