Oxford Boss Dedicates Win to Deceased Teen Goalkeeper

Matt Bloomfield honors Amelia Aplin, who died last weekend at age 15.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:21pm

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Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield dedicated his team's 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday night to Amelia Aplin, the club's 15-year-old goalkeeper who tragically passed away last weekend. Jamie Donley scored the winning goal for Oxford in the match.

Why it matters

The death of a young athlete is always devastating for a sports community. Bloomfield's gesture to honor Aplin's memory shows the tight-knit nature of the Oxford club and the impact her passing has had on the team and fans.

The details

Amelia Aplin, who was Oxford United's 15-year-old goalkeeper, collapsed and died last weekend. Bloomfield dedicated the team's 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday to Aplin's memory, with Jamie Donley scoring the winning goal for Oxford.

  • Amelia Aplin died last weekend.
  • Oxford United defeated Blackburn Rovers 1-0 on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Matt Bloomfield

The manager of Oxford United.

Amelia Aplin

The 15-year-old goalkeeper for Oxford United who tragically passed away last weekend.

Jamie Donley

The player who scored the winning goal for Oxford United in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Oxford United community is expected to hold a memorial service for Amelia Aplin in the coming days.

The takeaway

The tragic death of a young athlete is always deeply felt within a sports community. Bloomfield's dedication of the victory to Aplin's memory shows the human side of the game and the importance of honoring those who are taken from us too soon.