By Ngoc Vo

Troy kickball league is planning to have its kickoff on Sept.18.

The idea for the league began several weeks ago, when Troy residents started a talk on Facebook about a need to have a local kickball league. Jenifer Earles, who started the Troy Kickball Teams page on Facebook, said the cities around Troy area such as Montgomery, Dothan and Enterprise have kickball teams.

“It’d be wonderful if Troy is able to bring that same type of sport,” Earles said. “Kickball is making its comeback. It’s really popular right now.”

The group came to Troy Parks and Recreation to communicate their desire to have kickball in the community, according to Bart Pettus, adult sports coordinator.

“If there are enough people interested, we would be more than happy to provide them with a field and a schedule to play by,” Pettus said.

Pettus said the Rec center has ordered kickballs and has made tentative plans for the first game to be held on the baseball field next Thursday, Sept. 18. Lighting, scoreboards and concession areas will be provided for the game.

“We try to treat this the same way as baseball or softball,” Pettus said. “It’ll be like a regular Rec night. We hope by the end of this week to know many teams there are to make up the game schedule.”

The group held its interest meeting at the Rec center on Sept. 7, with an impressive turnout. Earles said nearly 70 people have signed up to play. Participants have to be 18 and older in order to compete in the league. There will be from 10 to 15 players on a coed team, with at least four females. Individuals can sign up via Pettus or message to the Troy Kickball Teams Facebook page. An entire group such as a church or a school can also create a team.

There is a $100 fee per team, Pettus said. However, participants do not have to have a Rec membership to play.

“I think the kickball league and other adult sports teams serve a great purpose for the people of Pike County,” said Faith Karwacki, a student at Troy University.

“Not everyone is athletic, but the camaraderie and general purpose of getting outside and doing physical activity is very encouraging.

“As a university student, I’m sort of used to being around other students, but the Recreation Center and the sports teams have opened more doors to meeting new people which is always great.”

Earles had the same idea, saying the league is an opportunity for adults and college students to come together, meet new people and have fun.

Earles said the group would like to be able to keep the league next year and be able to play with teams from other cities.