Emotional tributes for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin

The 15-year-old died at the weekend after collapsing during on the pitch during a ‘Junior Premier League’ match last Saturday.

Tributes have been paid at Oxford’s training ground over the past week and a minute’s silence was observed before kick-off against Blackburn Rovers.

Flowers, scarves and messages were left draped on the bronze ox statue outside the Kassam Stadium.

The game was then paused for a minute’s applause in the 15th minute as the U’s won 1-0 on the night.

Tributes left for Amelia Aplin outside the Kassam Stadium (Image: Submit)

Tributes left for Amelia Aplin outside the Kassam Stadium (Image: Submit)

Tributes left for Amelia Aplin outside the Kassam Stadium (Image: Submit)

Tributes left for Amelia Aplin outside the Kassam Stadium (Image: Submit)

Ahead of the game, head coach Matt Bloomfield said: “It is devastatingly sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Amelia’s family.

“Her teammates were here yesterday and her parents, I met them very briefly. We are all heartbroken for Amelia’s family.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson AI video widely criticised as being ‘violent’

“As a dad, my heart is broken for her parents. It’s been very sombre here as you can understand and 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.”

The Oxford Mail’s sports reporter Malachi Obrey, covering the game at the Kassam on March 11, described the atmosphere as “very emotional”.

He said: “There was a minute’s silence ahead of the first whistle with Amelia’s teammates and parents in attendance for a sombre moment of reflection.

“Another stoppage as well at the 15-minute mark as the whole ground united in applause – a reminder that there are things bigger than football and great to see all corners of the ground united.”

Oxford City offered its “sincere condolences” to the family of Amelia Aplin and to “our friends” at Oxford United during this “incredibly sad” time.

A statement from Summertown Stars Football Club said: “On behalf of everyone at Summertown Stars — players, coaches, parents and volunteers — we want to pass on our deepest condolences to Amelia’s family, her friends, her teammates and her coaches. This is an unimaginably difficult time for all who knew and loved her.

“We are a grassroots football club, and moments like this remind us that the game we all pour so much into is about so much more than football.

“It’s about community, and right now our community’s thoughts are with Amelia’s family and everyone at Oxford United Women.”

A statement from Fulham FC Women added: “Everyone at Fulham Football Club is shocked and saddened to hear this news. Our thoughts are with Ameila’s family and friends, and all associated with Oxford United FC.”