15-Year-Old Girl Dies After Collapsing During Academy Soccer Match: ‘Utterly Devastating’
Amelia Aplin “wasn’t just a goalkeeper; she was a leader and a bright light,” said Junior Premiere League Chief Executive Martin Brock
A heartbreaking incident has left a community in shock after a 15-year-old girl collapsed during an academy soccer match in England. What began as a normal game quickly turned into a tragic moment that no one present will forget.
On Sunday, March 8, Oxford United announced on social media that goalkeeper Amelia Aplin died after she “collapsed during a Girls’ Academy game against Fulham at the Club’s Training Centre in Horspath” the day before.
“The thoughts and sincere condolences from everyone at Oxford United are with Amelia’s family, friends, teammates and coaches,” the soccer club wrote in a statement. “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,” the statement continued. “We would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this incredibly difficult time.”
While the Oxford United Women were scheduled to play Real Bedford the day after the incident, the game was postponed following Amelia’s death.
The FA Women’s National League expressed that the league “is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Oxford United youth player Amelia Aplin.”
“Our thoughts are with Amelia’s family, friends and everyone at Oxford United,” the organization continued on social media. “We will continue to support the club throughout this incredibly sad time.”
In a tribute shared on Instagram, the Junior Premiere League remembered Amelia as “not only a hugely valued player within the JPL WARRIORS community, but an enormously talented goalkeeper who proudly represented the league as part of the JPL ALL STARS programme.”
“Amelia represented everything we hope to see in a young footballer: resilience, passion, and a strong team spirit,” the post continued. “As a goalkeeper she played with courage and determination, and was a constant source of encouragement to her teammates. Her presence on the pitch and within the ALL STARS programme made a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of playing alongside her.”
Martin Brock, chief executive of the JPL, further spoke to Amelia’s character as a “leader and bright light in our ALL STARS program.”
“Her loss leaves a void in the JPL that words cannot adequately fill,” he said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with her family, her friends and her teammates at this unspeakably difficult time. Rest in peace, Amelia.”
Joining Oxford fans and community members in sending their condolences to Amelia’s family, Oxfordshire Councillor Liam Walker reflected on the “utterly devastating news” in a March 8 Facebook post.
“My thoughts are with Amelia’s family and all those impacted by this awful loss,” Walker wrote. “She will forever be a yellow.”
