Tributes Paid to Teenage Footballer Who Died After Collapsing on Pitch
Tributes have been paid to 15-year-old footballer Amelia Aplin, who tragically died after collapsing during a match.
Amelia, a goalkeeper for Oxford United's academy, collapsed while playing in a Junior Premier League (JPL) game against Fulham at the club's training centre in Horspath on Saturday afternoon.
Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Athlete
Wycombe District Swimming Club, where Amelia was a long-standing member, expressed devastation at the news and described her as a "beloved friend."
Following the announcement of her death, Oxford United issued a statement on social media that prompted numerous football clubs to share messages of shock and sympathy for Amelia's family. The Junior Premier League also acknowledged her as "an enormously talented goalkeeper."
Statements from Clubs and Organizations
Amelia's swimming club released a statement saying:
This is an unimaginable loss and Amelia will be truly missed.
Amelia represented the club in numerous competitions, including county championships, regional championships and Arena League events, including the National Cup Final.
Our deepest condolences and thoughts go out to her family and friends at this difficult time.
The Junior Premier League stated:
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.
The JPL also announced plans to find an appropriate way to honour Amelia's memory in the coming days.
Fulham FC Women expressed that the club was "shocked and saddened" by the news and extended their thoughts to Amelia's family and friends.
Oxford United confirmed it was providing support to Amelia's family, players, coaches, and staff affected by the tragic event.
Several local football clubs posted condolences, including Kidlington Football Club, which said:
Everybody at Kidlington Football Club sends our sincere condolences to Amelia's family and to everyone at Oxford United FC at this incredibly sad time.
Didcot Town Football Club added:
The thoughts of everyone at Didcot Town and Didcot Town Youth are with the family and friends of Amelia and Oxford United.
Oxford City Football Club posted:
All of us at Oxford City send our sincere condolences to Amelia's family and everyone at Oxford United at this incredibly sad time.
Police Statement and Investigation
Thames Valley Police reported that Amelia was taken to hospital after collapsing but died later on Saturday evening.
The police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death and that the matter is now with the coroner.
The force added:
Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this most difficult time.
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