The popularity of kickball has grown throughout Newton County, and the Newton County Recreation Commission hopes to build off the momentum.

The NCRC is hosting the first Gary Massey Insurance Agency Ladies Kickball Classic on June 24-25.

“The tournament came about just from the growth of kickball,” said NCRC director Anthony Avery. “Once we started our league, we saw the growth starting to take hold here in Newton County.”

NCRC has partnered with the Gary Massey Insurance Agency located in Covington, which has sponsored the NCRC for nearly 20 years, said Avery. The two companies are hosting the first installment of the ladies kickball classic.

“We’ve had a real great working relationship with Gary Massey,” Avery said. “This was just an idea that we came up with for a way to put the tournament out there, for the ladies to have fun and also to honor one of longtime sponsors.”

The kickball classic is “open,” meaning there is no cap on the number of teams that can participate. Participating teams as many as many as 15-20 players.

The double elimination tournament will take place at the Stone Road Complex, with a coaches meeting being held on June 23 at 7 p.m. at Turner Lake Complex.

There is a $225 registration fee per team, and the last day to register is June 21. All proceeds will be used to fund the expenses for the tournament.

“All I want is for the ladies to come out and compete in good, friendly competition, have fun, and just get exercise,” said Avery. “We’re not in it to make a lot of money. We want to provide opportunities for the ladies of Newton County and surrounding areas.”

For more information on how to get involved, call Richard Nash at 770-786-4373 ext 35 or 859-866-3417.