Oxford united FC
Oxford United and suicide charity delivered training
The air force base, the largest in the UK, was visited by Baton of Hope to provide the training to help support those in need.
The session took place on Saturday, March 28.
During the session, Oxford United footballer Will Vaulks shared his own personal experiences with mental health and suicide, including the loss of both of his grandfathers.
He also spoke about the ups and downs of his professional career, giving an honest view on resilience, mental health, and the importance of speaking out.
Baton of Hope founder Mike McCarthy and clinical director Ben Wilson also shared insights into the charity’s work, discussing suicide prevention, awareness, and early intervention.
The session emphasised the importance of peer support and open conversations, aiming to break down stigma, especially in high-performance and service environments.
Attendees were given practical advice on recognising warning signs, initiating conversations, and knowing where to find support.
This event is part of a broader effort to improve mental health awareness and suicide prevention, aiming to better equip communities to support one another.
RAF Brize Norton personnel FS Ian and Sgt Russ said: “We were honoured to welcome the Baton of Hope Charity and Oxford United Football Club to RAF Brize Norton today.
“The work they’re doing to raise awareness around such a difficult but important topic is truly inspiring.
“If even one person left today with the tools to support someone in need, that’s a meaningful success.
“We’re proud to play a part in this conversation, and we hope this is just the beginning of more to come.”
The day was described as an “emotional and thought-provoking morning” focused on suicide prevention.
All attendees received access to vital suicide prevention training, providing them with practical tools and knowledge to support themselves and others.
The session was a part of RAF Brize Norton’s ongoing commitment to mental health and suicide prevention.
It was last month that Oxford United signed a Section 106 agreement with Cherwell District Council which would put money into the community funded by the football club.
Once the building of the stadium is underway, the costs will not count towards the EFL’s financial parameters set by PSR.
The U’s recently published their accounts, recording a net loss of £17.5 million for the 2024/25 season.
“Once the stadium is formally approved and effectively we’ve got shovels in the ground then all of the costs are excluded from PSR, but at present we are still in the sort of the development phase,” Maguire told BBC Radio Oxford.
“I appreciate there’s been significant costs from a legal point of view in trying to locate an appropriate place for the stadium, discussions with surveyors and architects and all of those costs.
“Because they are now effectively pre-approval or pre the start of the project, strictly they have to be included within the PSR calculations, which is sheer lunacy. I mean whoever’s written the rules clearly doesn’t understand very much about football.
“There is no sporting advantage to Oxford from having such costs, especially given the specific circumstances that the club is undertaking at present, where it has nowhere to play as an alternative and it’s going to have to move as a result of the lease and so on. It does in my view suggest that the EFL’s rules are in need of review.”
🚨 #OxfordUnited‘s underlying losses compared to the rest of the Championship 👀
A bit of a dive into the finances that were published last week. 📊#oufc 🟡https://t.co/EPsjcnbUnB
— malachi (@MalachiObrey) March 26, 2026
U’s CEO Tim Williams revealed at the OxVox fans forum that three institutions are excited about the stadium project with positive responses coming from potential investors.
Maguire went on to detail the challenges that the club faces in persuading lenders to come on board.
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“It’s challenging for a football club to persuade lenders because if you were popping along to your local bank or building society would they lend to Oxford United? No they wouldn’t. The reputational damage if things go wrong is far too high.
“That tends to mean that you’re going to sort of specialist lenders, they will effectively give the club some form of mortgage, they will have no moral or ethical concerns should things start to go wrong.
“They’ve got a nice piece of real estate as far as they’re concerned in the city so they would be able to lend money but my concern would be at what rates of interest because it is a high risk from their point of view.”
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
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
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.
“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
“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
“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
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
“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.”
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.
READ MORE: Flowers and shirt left for Oxford United goalkeeper Amelia Aplin
The men’s team’s next game is against relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Wednesday (March 11).
United confirmed today (Tuesday, March 10) that a minute’s silence will be held at the Kassam Stadium and that players and staff will wear black armbands in tribute.
An official statement said: “Oxford United will come together ahead of Wednesday night’s fixture against Blackburn Rovers to pay our respects following the tragic passing of Amelia Aplin, who collapsed during a Girls’ Academy game on Saturday.
“The club can confirm a minute’s silence will be observed prior to kick-off, whilst players and coaching staff will wear black armbands during the match.
LEAVE YOUR TRIBUTE: Book of condolence opened for Oxford United’s Amelia Aplin
“We kindly ask that all supporters take their seats early to ensure the tribute can be conducted with the quiet reflection it deserves.
“Supporters are also invited to lay tributes outside the stadium before kick-off at the Ox statue in the South Stand car park.
“The club would like to thank our supporters, our visitors from Blackburn Rovers, and the wider football family for the overwhelming messages of sympathy, support, and solidarity received over recent days.
“The thoughts of everyone at Oxford United remain with Amelia’s family, friends, and teammates.”
A previous statement issued by the club said: “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.
“We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
Tributes have been pouring in from across the county including from MPs and councillors, as well as football clubs across the nation.
She was a member at High Wycombe Swimming Club which has also paid tribute.
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