FC Barcelona, one of the most iconic football clubs in the world, has demonstrated its commitment to diversity and inclusivity through a series of recent initiatives. The club paid tribute to the deaf community by performing the Barça Anthem in sign language during a match against Getafe, as part of the International Week of the Deaf and International Sign Language Day.
Before the match, a choir from the Barcelona Deaf Cultural and Recreational Center and the Barça Deaf Supporters’ Club performed the Barça Anthem in sign language. Deaf children from the club and the Catalan Association of Families and People with Deafness (ACAPPS) also accompanied the players onto the field. The Barça Deaf Supporters’ Club created the word “BARÇA” in sign language to identify and promote the team’s name to all sign language users.
This initiative was part of FC Barcelona’s 125th anniversary celebration, and the club launched a campaign encouraging fans to participate in the sign language version of the Barça Anthem. Players Jules Koundé, Marc Casadó, Sergi Domínguez, Jana Fernández, Marta Torrejón, and Ona Batlle participated in the campaign, which was made in collaboration with start-up Visualfy, which provides solutions for deaf or hard-of-hearing people.
FC Barcelona’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity extends beyond the deaf community. The club has also signed agreements with organizations like ACAPPS and ONCE Social Group and provided digital accessibility training for staff. The club’s Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has been actively working to promote inclusivity and accessibility for all fans.
In addition to these initiatives, FC Barcelona has been facing some challenges in the form of injuries to key players. Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury during a match against Villarreal, which is expected to keep him out for the rest of the season. In response, the club has been actively seeking a replacement, and according to reports, head coach Hansi Flick has decided on signing Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who will come out of retirement to join the Catalan club as a free agent.
Szczesny, who has had a successful career in European football, is widely recognized for his time at Juventus. At 35 years old, the Polish goalkeeper possesses the knowledge and skill to handle the pressure that comes with playing for a club of Barcelona’s stature. His decision to return to professional football comes after a brief retirement, and he will sign a one-year contract with Barça.
FC Barcelona’s focus is on maximizing its opportunities in the current season, and the inclusion of Szczesny in the squad could provide the boost the team needs to compete for the titles they aim to conquer. The club has been demonstrating its agility in the transfer market, making smart decisions to bolster its squad.
Despite the challenges, FC Barcelona has been performing well in the Spanish league, maintaining an unbeaten record and leading the local championship with 21 out of 21 points. The team’s victory against Getafe was a testament to their dominance, with Robert Lewandowski as the star of the match. The Catalans took control of the duel, and the only goal came at the feet of the Pole in the 20th minute.
FC Barcelona has been making significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, as evidenced by its tribute to the deaf community and its commitment to accessibility. The club has also been facing challenges, but its agility in the transfer market and its focus on maximizing opportunities have allowed it to maintain its position as a top contender in the Spanish league. With the inclusion of Szczesny in the squad, fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the Polish goalkeeper will contribute to the team’s on-field performance.