Oxford United manager Matt Bloomfield says the club wanted to pay their respects in the best possible way following the death of academy player Amelia Aplin. The club held a minute of applause before their recent fixture to honour the teenager, according to Sky Sports. Players also wore black armbands during the match as a mark of respect for the young player and her family.
Bloomfield stated that the news has deeply affected everyone at the club, per Oxford United's official website. He praised the strength of the community and the support shown to Aplin's family and teammates during this period. The manager noted that the team carried her memory throughout their performance on the pitch.
Oxford United confirmed that support remains available for academy players and staff members impacted by the loss. The club described Aplin as a valued member of their youth setup. No further details regarding the circumstances were released, as the club requested privacy for the family, according to The Athletic.