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Oxford Today
By the People, for the People
Oxford United Pays Tribute to Deceased Academy Player
Club holds moment of silence and applause to honor Amelia Aplin
Mar. 11, 2026 at 11:05pm
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Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield said the club wanted to "pay their respects in the best possible way" after the passing of one of their academy players, Amelia Aplin, who collapsed and tragically died during a game against Fulham. The club held a minute's silence prior to their match against Blackburn Rovers and had an applause during the 15th minute, with the players walking out without music before the game.
Why it matters
The death of a young player is always a tragic event that shakes a community. Oxford United's tributes show how the club and its supporters are coming together to honor Amelia's memory and provide comfort to her family during this difficult time.
The details
Teenager Amelia Aplin collapsed during a game against Fulham at the club's training center in Horspath on Saturday afternoon before tragically passing away. Oxford United held a minute's silence prior to kick-off during Wednesday's Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers, with an applause held during the 15th minute. Both sets of players walked out without music prior to kick-off, and Oxford United sealed a 1-0 win against their relegation rivals.
- Amelia Aplin collapsed and died during a game against Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
- Oxford United held a minute's silence prior to kick-off during their match against Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday.
- An applause was held during the 15th minute of the match against Blackburn Rovers.
The players
Matt Bloomfield
The manager of Oxford United who spoke about the club's tributes to Amelia Aplin.
Amelia Aplin
An academy player for Oxford United who tragically passed away after collapsing during a game against Fulham.
What they’re saying
“We had Amelia in our hearts tonight.”
— Matt Bloomfield, Oxford United Manager
“I really wanted to do the evening justice with our performance. Nothing can replace what her poor parents have suffered this weekend and what they have lost.”
— Matt Bloomfield, Oxford United Manager
“But we wanted as a football club to pay our respects in the best possible way, respectfully off the pitch and then to try and put a performance in on the pitch that hopefully made a few people smile this evening.”
— Matt Bloomfield, Oxford United Manager
What’s next
The club is expected to continue honoring Amelia's memory through further tributes and support for her family in the coming weeks.
The takeaway
Oxford United's heartfelt tributes to Amelia Aplin demonstrate the tight-knit community of the club and its commitment to supporting its young players, even in the face of such a tragic loss.
