While a trip to the footy might introduce you to all kinds of folks, there is a chance that valley girls might be conspicuously absent from the stands.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term ‘valley girl’, Urban Dictionary defines it as: “valley girl; n; a girl who spends 99.9 per cent of her waking hours at the mall, and says ‘totally’, ‘whatever’ and ‘oh my gosh/god’ wayyy too much.”
In essence, a valley girl is a harmless ditz whose choice of language leaves a little to be desired. And I happen to be really good friends with a lot of them.
Being the only sport fanatic among a group of vivacious heel-clad girlie girls is a bit tough sometimes, especially when you want to go to a game and have absolutely no one to go with. Earlier this year, I won two tickets to see the Broncos play against the Panthers and needed to go with someone.
With recent reports suggesting that NRL attendances are declining, convincing a fashion-forward young woman to ditch the little black dress and heels for a supporter scarf and beanie seemed a more daunting task than one would imagine.
I had a girlfriend in mind to come to the game with me, so I had a target. The first point to my argument was easy (and shallow).
1. NRL players are hot
I simply showed her a couple of pictures of Corey Parker, Daniel Vidot and Josh Mansour to get her even slightly interested in the idea of spending 80 minutes watching a game she didn’t understand.
2. Guys like girls who appreciate sport
This is a generalisation obviously, but telling her that women who liked sport were often thought more highly of compared to one that was vehemently against the idea actually worked.
3. The atmosphere at an NRL game is unlike any you’d get at a Miley Cyrus concert
What’s not fun about taking a break during half time to get a meat pie and chips drenched in tomato sauce? Even if my beautiful lady friends are salad eaters, it’s almost tradition to purchase overpriced hot food. It’s almost an initiation to do so.
Plus, everybody likes food, right?
And most importantly, the final point.
4. Rugby league is the greatest game of all
The point that I emphasised the most. Sure, she might not understand what is happening in the first ten minutes of the game, but with a few explanations here and there, she will understand just how great this game is.
There is no better feeling than watching the game you love live and jumping up and down among the thousands of fans, especially during a tight, nail-biting finish. If she can’t appreciate the sport, I’m sure she can appreciate the spirit.
Needless to say, she agreed and attended the game with me and actually enjoyed her time there. So if you ever need to convince a valley girl with no interest in sport to come to a league game with you, I think I have you covered.
Man, I need to befriend other Broncos supporters.
Gina Baldassarre
Roar Rookie
Love this! I've been shameless with using #1 in trying to get my friends to start watching various sports. Another one that I've found works sometimes is explaining that sport is way better than any tv show, like "You couldn't even write the kinds of storylines that emerge during a season!!" All the ups and downs with results during the year, players declaring their love for a team then turning their backs on it, coaches getting sacked, backstabbing, money, teammate bromances, will they/won't they transfer sagas, corruption, etc. Whatever works.
James
Guest
Hi Black Widow, perhaps the NRL should scrap the Super Hero Round next year and allocate a high school social group to each Club. 1. Nerds vs Jocks 2. Band Geaks vs Skaters 3. Surfers vs Aggies 4. Goths vs Hippies 5. Thugs vs Bikies 6. Head Bangers vs Hot Rodders 7. Punks vs Gangsters Food
The Black Widow
Roar Rookie
I just thought valley girl was a more appropriate term to use than plastic bimbos or something like that.
The Black Widow
Roar Rookie
Ha! Thank you for that! I'm glad this fluff made your day.
The Black Widow
Roar Rookie
I'm all for anyone jumping on board and supporting league, no matter what "social stereotype" they fit into.
Cathar Treize
Roar Guru
Apparently they don't like fans having a go at the ref, so I'm with you, they can stay in the Valley.
Jay C
Roar Guru
I'm not really sure what a valley girl is. But i can safely say I don't want it at my football matches.
Crug in the cave
Roar Rookie
I like the idea of bringing new fans to Rugby League but why the obsession with Americanising everything. Valley Girls are a West Coast Californian term for vacuous girls who are obsessed with celebrity and shopping. I'm sure having our TV screens filled with American dross and having Halloween becoming bigger every year, we will end up having Independence Day games played on July 4th soon. I'm sorry rant over, good article though, but please can we stop the Americaisation.
Birdy
Guest
Hey black widow . You made my day this morning ! I could never understand social media until I got onto this site and then waking up to your article bought back really good memories . U made my day ! Still smiling!!!! Epiquin hope you find your gorgeous George
Leigh Harper
Guest
Plenty of trendies - valley girls whatever they are called get to the games now. Its a fun night out and you can have a few drinks before going off to town. Everybody is welcome to Broncos games though and that is the appeal of the event. Family fun atmosphere that everybody can enjoy.....The more we get to games to create atmosphere - the better... It's like.............football................rugby league...................whatever.........................time for a selfie.........:?)
mushi
Guest
Most women I know rate the AFL boys a little higher as well so we are competing form a position of weakness there for anyone that prefers a moviestar build to a Mr universe
Epiquin
Guest
I'm more of a George Rose man myself. He looks so cuddly.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
#awesomearticle #laughedheadoffontrainthismorning #yolo #hashtag
Wascally Wabbit
Guest
The Black Widow, I agree with points 2, 3 and 4. Number 1 has got me confused. As a straight guy it's a bit difficult to determine who is "hot" and who is not. I don't really know what Daniel Vidot looks like. Corey Parker ? My (adult) daughter says he's quite ugly and he seems to age another year every time she sees him. Do women really find a beard like Josh Mansour's attractive ? How does he eat pumpkin soup ? Maybe you're onto something on how to attract more people to the game, however, maybe 2 of your 3 might actually turn people away.
Epiquin
Guest
Maybe if so many jerseys weren't hideous, the valley girls might be more inclined to wear them.
Judge Holden
Roar Guru
There's not too many Valley Girls up Townsville way, but I wouldn't mind seeing more at 1300 Smiles. It would be a welcome change from the regular Kirwan mob. Hopefully this convinces more to come.
jamesb
Guest
Oh my gosh, what a pleasant article.
up in the north
Guest
That was like so totally awesome. ;-) cheers.
Bondy
Guest
Good on ya luv nice read.
Birdy
Guest
Good on ya black widow all sport needs more people like you. I remember 20 plus years ago I took a so called valley girl to a broncos giants game she has been hooked ever since. But now she is a fanatical cowboys supporter.