Arsenal launch fully integrated BSL matchdays

In conjunction with Level Playing Field's #UniteForAccess campaign, tomorrow's fixture against AFC Bournemouth will be our first matchday with British Sign Language (BSL) fully integrated.

Unite For Access is an annual period of inspiration and celebration of good access and inclusion at sports venues. As part of this, tomorrow's game will also feature two mascots with non-visible disabilities, Kaya (Arsenal) and Clayton (AFC Bournemouth).

At all home games, our pitchside show will now have full BSL integration and all club content within the stadium will have an embedded BSL interpreter. Accessibility support also includes our Sensory Room, Audio Descriptive Commentary, and our specialist Disability Liaison Team that support visitors at all men’s home and away games, as well as women’s home games.

Ahead of tomorrow's launch, two of our deaf supporters, Max and Christopher, caught up with Nicole and Adrian for our Breakdown Live matchday show to speak first-hand on the importance of the steps that Arsenal are taking to make our stadium experience as accessible and inclusive as possible.

Arsenal v Bournemouth will also see a special, big-screen appearance from Jorginho. Our Italian midfielder began learning sign language during lockdown, and will debut his skills to supporters inside Emirates Stadium on Saturday. See him in action early, below!

Access and inclusion is a focus for us year-round, and we work closely across the club and with external groups to ensure that this is embedded in everything we do. This includes using independent access auditors, collaborating with the Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association, and engaging with and surveying our disabled supporters to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers they face.

Through a number of initiatives undertaken in our community, inside Emirates Stadium and throughout the club, we endeavour to ensure that everyone can feel an equal sense of pride and belonging to Arsenal.