Captain Jarrod Bowen and fellow first team players have learned to sign the club’s iconic anthem in BSL to improve matchday accessibility for deaf fans
West Ham United is marking Deaf Awareness Week this week by releasing a video showing an inclusive interpretation of the club’s anthem, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles.
The video features members of the Disabled Supporters’ Association (DSA) alongside deaf supporters and men’s team players, including captain Jarrod Bowen, Mads Hermansen, Kyle Walker-Peters and Freddie Potts, each signing a line of Bubbles in British Sign Language (BSL).
The film is to be played on the London Stadium big screens as the teams walk out ahead of Sunday’s London derby against Arsenal.
The idea for the video was originally proposed by the DSA as part of their ongoing work to improve accessibility and ensure all fans can feel fully connected to the matchday experience.
Working in collaboration with Performance Interpreting, participants were guided through learning and performing the song in BSL.
Bowen said: “Taking part in this was a really special experience. 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. I’m sure it’s something fans will be proud to see before the game on Sunday.”
Cathy Bayford and Trevor Bright, co-chairs of the Disabled Supporters’ Association, said: “As co-chairs, Trevor & I are incredibly proud of the DSA’s work in leading the BSL initiative at the London Stadium, and now to showcase the provision with the help of the first team players and other members of the DSA, especially this month as we recognise UK Deaf Awareness Week.”
Keighley Tansley, DSA advisor for deaf and hard of hearing, added: “As we come to the end of our first season with BSL at the Stadium, it’s been incredible to bring players together to learn Bubbles in British Sign Language, while also sharing more about the work DSA are doing behind the scenes to create real, lasting change and make match days more accessible for everyone.”
“We hope you enjoy the film as much as we’ve loved creating it. This song is something we hope will give our deaf fans a real sense of pride and show that West Ham and the DSA are truly committed to making football inclusive for all.”
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