Oxford United boss and captain pay tribute to Amelia Aplin

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

Tributes have been paid at Oxford’s training ground over the past couple of days with a minute’s silence to be observed before kick-off against Blackburn Rovers this evening.

Speaking ahead of the Championship fixture, Bloomfield said: “It is devastatingly sad news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Amelia’s family.

Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield ahead of the Sky Bet Championship match at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry. (Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

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

“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.

“It puts everything into perspective. It’s been a tough few days.

READ MORE: Oxford United to hold minute’s silence against Blackburn Rovers

“Amelia’s teammates are going to join us for the game tomorrow evening.

“The club have offered all the support they can to her teammates and the family and that will be ongoing.

Mourners left heartfelt messages at the club’s training facility. (Image: Amir Steve Ali)

“We want them to be friends of our club forever and Amelia will live in our hearts forever and it’s really important that we do everything that we possibly can to support them, not just now, but ongoing.”

Oxford’s club captain Cameron Brannagan also paid his respects ahead of the Blackburn match, saying: “We want to send our condolences to the family and friends. We’re sending them all the love in the world and [it has been] a very tough 48 hours. We’ll do everything we can as a club to help them in any sort of way possible.

“She was very highly thought of in the club.

“We had a minute’s silence…and all the fans will pay their respects [on Wednesday].

“We’ve got a massive game [on Wednesday], but it does put everything into perspective.”

A book of condolence has been opened for the young footballer where members of the public can pay their respects.

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

Amelia was a member of High Wycombe Swimming Club, saying it is ‘devastated’ after the teenager’s death.

Other tributes from across football have been pouring in.

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

A statement from nearby Didcot Town said: “The thoughts of everyone at Didcot Town are with the family and friends of Amelia and Oxford United.”