May 7 – West Ham will mark Deaf Awareness Week ahead of Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal by debuting a British Sign Language (BSL) version of the club anthem ‘I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles’ at the London Stadium.
A video shown on the big screens before kick-off will feature Deaf supporters, members of the club’s Disabled Supporters’ Association (DSA) and several first-team players – including captain Jarrod Bowen – signing lines from the anthem in BSL.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with the DSA and Performance Interpreting, which supports the club’s matchday accessibility services. It forms part of wider efforts to improve inclusion for Deaf and hard-of-hearing supporters at West Ham fixtures.
“Taking part in this was a really special experience,” said Bowen. “Bubbles means so much to everyone connected to West Ham, and learning to sign it gave us a new perspective on how important it is that all supporters can share in those moments together.”
The club has introduced BSL services at the London Stadium this season, with the DSA continuing to push for broader accessibility measures across the matchday experience.
“As Co-Chairs, Trevor & I are incredibly proud of the DSA’s work in leading the BSL initiative at the London Stadium,” said DSA co-chair Cathy Bayford. “As the DSA we will continue to work alongside the Club to make the matchday experience as inclusive and accessible to all spectators.”
The fixture itself holds huge weight at both ends of the table, with West Ham fighting to save themselves from relegation and opponents Arsenal nearing the Premier League title.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at [email protected]