Oxford United pays tribute to academy player Amelia Aplin after her death

Oxford United has paid tribute to teenage academy player Amelia Aplin, who passed away after collapsing during a match on Saturday The club’s manager, Matt Bloomfield, dedicated their subsequent 1-0 Championship victory against Blackburn Rovers to her memory

Amelia Aplin, a player in the club's youth academy, collapsed during a game against Fulham at Oxford's training centre in Horspath In their first match following her death, the club held several tributes on Wednesday evening Both Oxford and Blackburn players walked onto the pitch without the usual music, and a minute's silence was observed before kick-off Additionally, an applause was held during the 15th minute of the game

Following the emotional fixture, Bloomfield told BBC Radio Oxford, 'We had Amelia in our hearts tonight' He stated that the club 'wanted to pay our respects in the best possible way' Acknowledging the profound loss for her family, he added, 'Nothing can replace what her poor parents have suffered this weekend and what they have lost. But we wanted... to try and put a performance in on the pitch that hopefully made a few people smile this evening'