Players sign 'Bubbles' in BSL to mark Deaf Awareness Week

[West Ham United]

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen says fans "will be proud" to see a new interpretation of the Club's anthem, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles, to mark Deaf Awareness Week.

The specially produced video features members of the Disabled Supporters' Association (DSA) alongside players and deaf supporters, each signing a line of the famous Hammers song in British Sign Language (BSL).

This version of "Bubbles" will be played on the big screens at the London Stadium as the teams walk out before of Sunday's vital London derby against league leaders Arsenal.

"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.

"I'm sure it's something fans will be proud to see before the game on Sunday."

The concept was proposed by the DSA who worked in collaboration with Performance Interpreting - who also support the club on matchdays - to guide participants in learning and performing the song in BSL as part of their work to "improve accessibility and ensure all fans can feel fully connected to the matchday experience".

Co-chairs of the DSA, Cathy Bayford and Trevor Bright, said: "As co-chairs, Trevor and 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 adviser for deaf and hard of hearing supporters, 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 matchdays more accessible for everyone.