Teenage goalkeeper 'in our hearts forever'

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield has paid an emotional tribute to 15-year-old Amelia Aplin, who died whilst playing for the club's academy on Saturday.

The goalkeeper had been playing in a Junior Premier League game against Fulham at the club's training ground in Horspath on Saturday afternoon when she collapsed.

A minute's silence in memory of Amelia will be held before Oxford United's Championship game against Blackburn at the Kassam Stadium on Wednesday evening, the club said.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Bloomfield said his squad would also be wearing black armbands during Wednesday's game as a mark of respect.

"It's devastatingly sad news - we are all heartbroken for Amelia's family and our thoughts and prayers go out to them," Bloomfield, who appeared visibly emotional during the press conference, said.

"Amelia will live in our hearts forever."

"As a dad my heart is broken for her parents," he said, before adding that he had met with Amelia's parents on Monday to share his condolences.

Bloomfield, who joined Oxford in January, said: "We have to make sure that we give Amelia's friends and family all the love that they need going through this such terrible time.

"We want them to be friends of our club for forever.

"It puts everything into perspective and it's been a tough few days," he added.

Also speaking on Tuesday, club captain Cameron Brannagan said Amelia had been "very highly thought of" within the club.

"It's been a tough 48 hours and we'll do everything as a club to help the family out," Brannagan, who has spent the past eight years at Oxford, said.

"We've got a massive game tomorrow, but it does put things in perspective - we can only send all our love and thoughts to her family and friends."

Announcing Wednesday's minute silence, Oxford United urged supporters attending the game to take their seats early to "ensure the tribute can be conducted with the quiet reflection it deserves".

The club also invited supporters to lay tributes to Amelia at the Ox statue outside of the Kassam's south stand.

It also thanked supporters and "the wider football family" for the "overwhelming messages of sympathy, support, and solidarity" it had received over recent days.

On Monday Amelia's school, Aylesbury High, said she had been a "much loved, bright and talented" student who was a "cherished member" of its community.

Headmistress Marieke Forster said Amelia was a "remarkable young woman who brought joy to everyone who knew her".

"She was a gifted athlete and a dedicated student, but more importantly, she was a friend to many and a vital part of our school," she added.

Oxford United's statement on Sunday announcing Amelia's death prompted messages from the football world expressing shock and sympathy for the teenager's family.

Among them were the Football Association, which said it was "deeply saddened" by Amelia's "tragic passing".

The Women's Super League said its thoughts were "with Amelia's family, friends and loved ones, and everyone at Oxford United, at this extremely difficult time".

The country's top teams, including Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United women, also sent their condolences for the "heartbreaking news".

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