“You’ll Never Walk Alone”, the name of Liverpool Football Club’s anthem, has been translated into British Sign Language (BSL), as part a new ‘Signs for Unity’ campaign involving the club, beer brand Carlsberg, and the British Deaf Association (BDA).
The Carlsberg-led initiative, launched on Friday, comes after the BDA announced the creation of a ‘football fan council’ to advise on “BSL-first fan experiences” in September, and shared a casting call for deaf Liverpool fans last month.
On a webpage for the campaign, Carlsberg cite research which states that 81% of deaf and hard of hearing fans feel unable to participate in matchday chants, despite wanting to, and that such fans “don’t fully feel a part of” the anthem experience.
Meanwhile, the BDA says on its website that “You’ll Never Walk Alone” resonates with the organisation due to the song being about “moving forward with confidence, knowing you are supported – by community, by shared experience and by one another”, with this being a “lived reality” for the deaf signing community.
The webpage reads: “Supporting the creation of a BSL version of You’ll Never Walk Alone is not symbolic. It is a celebration of who we are as Deaf people.
“It puts British Sign Language where it belongs – at the heart of shared cultural moments – and encourages greater understanding, respect, and engagement with the language.”
BSL video tutorials for each of the four words can be found on the BDA website, with the charity saying the regional sign for ‘never’ was “deliberately retained” to reflect the Liverpool deaf identity.
In a statement, BDA CEO Rebecca Mansell said the organisation is “incredibly proud to be part of this campaign”.
She said: “For 135 years, the British Deaf Association has been built on the belief that strength comes from community. Supporting the creation of a BSL version of You’ll Never Walk Alone is about far more than a song – it’s about visibility, belonging and respect for Deaf people and our language.
“This project shows what is possible when Deaf people lead how their language and culture are represented. It places British Sign Language where it belongs: at the heart of shared cultural moments.
“It sends a powerful message to Deaf fans everywhere – you are seen, you belong, and you will never walk alone.”
Liverpool fans are encouraged to sign the song during the club’s home game against West Ham United, taking place on 28 February.
A BSL version of this news story from the BDA can be found on Vimeo.
Images: British Deaf Association.