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Flowers left for Oxford United goalkeeper Amelia Aplin

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The 15-year-old was playing in a Junior Premier League (JPL) match against Fulham at the club’s training facility on Saturday (March 7), when she collapsed on the pitch.

Emergency services, including Thames Valley Police and South Central Ambulance Service, attended Oxford Sports Park and transported her to the hospital.

It was then confirmed by the club on Sunday afternoon (March 8) that Amelia had passed away the evening before.

LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin

The display of flowers, notes and an OUFC shirt. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

Oxfordshire and the wider footballing community across the UK have been rocked by the news, with heartfelt tributes pouring in over the past 24 hours.

Yellow flowers, handwritten notes, Oxford United scarves, as well as a football and a goalkeeper shirt with Aplin on the back were all left at Oxford Sports Park today (Monday, March 9).

The club’s first team players and academy held a minute’s silence at the training centre to pay respects on Monday with the club stating Amelia is “forever in our hearts”.

Mourners have come from across the city and beyond to pay their respects to the young shotstopper.

Longtime Oxford community campaigner Amir Steve Ali visited the site to leave a bunch of yellow flowers, being especially moved by having a 15-year-old football-loving daughter himself.

READ MORE: Teenage Oxford United player dies after serious incident during game

Handwritten notes and flowers were left in tribute to Amelia Aplin. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

He said: “It’s such heartbreaking news. My own daughter is a footballer and the same age as Amelia was, so it’s hit me hard.

“When I went there to lay some flowers to pay tribute and respect, it was a very emotional moment for me.

A minute’s silence held by Oxford United’s first team and academy at the club’s training centre on Monday. (Image: Oxford United)

“I can’t imagine what the girl’s parents must be going through. My thoughts are with them and her loved ones. I pray that she rest in peace.”

Oxford United’s statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of 15-year-old Academy player, Amelia Aplin.

READ MORE: Oxford United confirm ‘serious incident’ at girls’ academy game

The tributes to Amelia Aplin at Oxford Sports Park. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

“Amelia collapsed during a Girls’ Academy game against Fulham at the Club’s Training Centre in Horspath yesterday afternoon.

“The thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Oxford United are with Amelia’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.

“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the efforts of the medical staff at both Oxford United and Fulham Football Club, along with the emergency services.

“The club will offer support to Amelia’s family, players, coaches and staff impacted by this tragic event.

READ MORE: Tributes pour in after death of 15-year-old Oxford United player

An OUFC scarf was draped above the flowers. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

“We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”

A statement from the JPL said: “To lose a young player with such promise at just 15 years old is a tragedy that is felt deeply across our football community.”

Martin Brock, chief executive of the JPL, added: “Amelia wasn’t just a goalkeeper, she was a leader and a bright light in our all stars programme.

“Her loss leaves a void in the JPL that words cannot adequately fill. Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and his teammates at this unspeakably difficult time.”

READ MORE: Oxford United game postponed after ‘serious incident’ at girls game

Handwritten notes were left in tribute to Amelia Aplin. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford West and Abingdon, said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of Amelia’s passing.

“My thoughts are with her family, friends, teammates and coaches, and with everyone at Oxford United who will be devastated by this loss.

“Amelia was clearly a talented young player with a love of the game and a bright future ahead of her, and this tragic loss will be felt right across our community.”

Anneliese Dodds, Labour MP for Oxford East, added: “This is terribly sad news.

LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin

A football was also amongst the tributes. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

“My thoughts are with Amelia Aplin’s family, her friends, and everyone at Oxford United at this awful time.”

Liam Walker, Conservative group leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “This is utterly devastating news.

“My thoughts are with Amelia’s family and all those impacted by this awful loss. She will forever be a yellow.”

A statement from Oxford City FC said: “Everyone associated with Oxford City FC is sending our sincere condolences to the family of Amelia Aplin and to our friends at Oxford United during this incredibly sad time.”





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Oxfordshire youngster ‘honoured’ by England youth call-up

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Violet Parsons of Bicester is the only Oxfordshire-based player to be included in either the England Under 15 Schoolgirls Team or the Under 18 Schoolboys Team, both of which were announced on March 25.

The 14-year-old plays for Oxford United Academy and said her dream is to play professional football in the Women’s Super League and be called up to the senior England squad, known as the Lionesses.

READ MORE: Relegation rival manager’s ‘conflict of interest’ raised by Oxford United

The left wing-back said: “It is an honour to be selected for the England Schoolgirls Under 15s, and something I’ve only dreamed of since I started playing at the age of nine.

“My ultimate ambition is to represent my country in the World Cup, and progress to play professional football in the WSL.”

Violet Parsons of Bicester has been called up to an England youth side (Image: Natalie Parsons)

From an initial shortlist of 80, there were 18 girls picked to be part of the U15 squad, with the new squad’s first match to be against Wales on May 23.

This will be at Cirencester Town FC.

A number of Lionesses have played for the England U15 Schoolgirls Team, with Poppy Pattinson most recently making the step up.

READ MORE: Junior football team launches equipment fundraiser for grass season

The 25-year-old was in the squad in 2015 and made her debut for the senior team against Ukraine on March 3, having impressed for London City Lionesses and Brighton & Hove Albion before that.

Set up in 1904, the English Schools’ Football Association is the national governing body for schools’ football in England and has also run international squads since 1907.

The association provides over one million footballing opportunities for school pupils in England, each year. 





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Oxford United stars in contention for Hull City after break

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Six U’s players went away with their countries, with three – Jamie Donley, Ciaron Brown, and Brodie Spencer – featuring on Tuesday evening for Northern Ireland as they drew 1-1 with Wales.

Midfielder Donley scored his nation’s only goal in that game as Northern Ireland’s Jamie McDonnell and Wales’ Mark Harris did not feature.

“Because the game was so tight, Tuesday to a Friday, you have to keep both scenarios in your head,” Bloomfield said.

Wales’ Harry Wilson (left) and Northern Ireland’s Ciaron Brown battle for the ball (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

“We’ve been preparing without them for the last couple of weeks and they’ve come back in today, so they’ll come back into consideration.”

The Yellows face fifth-placed Hull on Friday who have enjoyed an impressive season under Bosnian manager Sergej Jakirovic.

“We believe that we can give Hull a really good game,” the U’s boss continued.

“We know we’re up against really good opposition who are trying to get into the play-offs and they’ve had a fantastic season.

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Donley heads to the player’s tunnel at half-time during the (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

“We know we’re up against a very good opposition, but we’ve been doing all right recently and we want that to continue.”

Despite sitting high in the Championship table, Hull have conceded the fourth-most goals in the division (57) with a goal difference of just five.

READ MORE: Hull City duo expected to feature against Oxford United

READ MORE: Oxford United boss quiet on Blackburn, O’Neill incident

READ MORE: Oxford United’s concerns backed by Portsmouth boss

Experienced names in Oli McBurnie, John Lundstram, and Paddy McNair lie in the Tigers’ ranks, with the former having bagged 13 goals in the league this season, the joint fourth-highest tied with teammate Joe Gelhardt.

Hull City’s Oliver McBurnie celebrates after scoring (Image: Nigel French/PA Wire)

“We don’t play opposition like Hull without respecting our opposition. We know that they’re a really good team. You can look at their attacking threats that they’ve got at the top of the pitch and know that they’ve got some really good players.

“We have to be defensively very resolute. They’re really clinical in their work, so we have to be really, really resolute and really aware of that. But we also want to try and excite our home crowd.

“We want to attack the game. We want to win the game. We’ve got to try and score some goals, so we’re going to try and get the balance the best we possibly can.

“But we want our supporters to enjoy watching us as well.

“I’m proud of the group for what they’ve done over the last period of time. And I want them to really attack this last period of games starting tomorrow. Like I say, nothing’s decided tomorrow, but we have an opportunity to go and try and play the best we possibly can.”





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Oxford United boss quiet on Blackburn, O’Neill incident

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Oxford United reportedly raised concerns over a conflict of interest regarding the Rovers boss who managed four U’s players for Northern Ireland in the recent international break.

Northern Ireland lost 2-0 to Italy in their World Cup play-off semi-final before drawing 1-1 with Wales in a friendly on Tuesday.

The EFL confirmed it had been contacted by more than one club with concerns over the issue, with relegation rivals West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth also having players appear for the Green and White Army.

Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill before an international friendly match at (Image: Nick Potts/PA Wire)

Ciaron Brown, Jamie Donley, and Brodie Spencer played for Northern Ireland across their two fixtures whilst players who are set to play against Blackburn’s rivals in Hull City’s Paddy McNair, Norwich City’s Ruairi McConville, and Preston North End’s Ali McCann all missed the second game.

With Pompey boss, and former Yellows captain, John Mousinho criticising the situation, Oxford head coach Bloomfield was also questioned.

“I think whenever you have players going away on international duty, you’re hoping that they’re fine and come back in relatively good health. The game on Tuesday was even closer to a good Friday game than it was a usual Saturday.

Oxford United boss Matt Bloomfield orders from the touchline (Image: Jason Dawson)

“As regards to anything else, I’d rather not comment.

“Being a football manager is hard enough and I’ve got a big enough job in my hands here, so I should concentrate on that.”

Bloomfield went on to praise Oxford’s internationals, with Mark Harris appearing for Wales against Bosnia & Herzegovina as the Red Dragons lost their World Cup play-off semi-final on penalties after managing a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Ole Romeny also represented Indonesia against St. Kitts & Nevis and Bulgaria, scoring and assisting twice against the former.

Northern Ireland’s Jamie Donley scores their side’s first goal of the game during an (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

“I felt really disappointed for the boys,” Bloomfield said, sympathising with the five U’s men who missed out on World Cup qualification.

“I thought they all did great. Obviously watching the games and paying a real interest into how they’re getting on and watching with pride if I’m honest.

READ MORE: Hull City duo expected to feature against Oxford United

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READ MORE: Oxford United’s concerns backed by Portsmouth boss

“I thought Brodie was brilliant. I thought Brodie was absolutely fantastic.

 “To go away and play; I’ve never got the honour of doing that and those boys are getting to go and play for their country and I just think it’s an incredible honour for them and I thought they did brilliantly.

“I felt really disappointed for them, but that’s gone now and now they concentrate on their club football.”

On loan Spurs midfielder Donley scored against Wales for Northern Ireland.

“An international goal for a young player is a brilliant moment for him, so let’s hope he takes that into the game on Friday and forward into the last seven for us.”





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