Clubs and fans pay respects to teenage goalkeeper

A minute's silence was held in memory of Amelia Aplin, the 15-year-old goalkeeper who died whilst playing for Oxford United's academy on Saturday.

Before United's Championship 1-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, family members, friends and supporters laid flowers and scarves in front of the stadium.

On Tuesday, club manager Matt Bloomfield said his heart was "broken for her parents" before adding that he had met with them to share his condolences.

Oxford United legend Peter Rhoades-Brown said she had been "a goalkeeper of immense promise" who would be "greatly missed by everybody who knew her".

Captain Cameron Brannagan said: "She was very highly thought of in the club and we send all our love to her family and friends

"We'll do everything as a club to help the family."

Several Blackburn Rovers players also laid flowers at the ox statue in front of the stadium, which served as an unofficial memorial.

Members of Amelia's family attended and her teammates went out on the pitch before kick-off.

No walkout music played and before the minute silence, Rhoades-Brown addressed the crowd, saying all at Oxford United "are heartbroken".

"She was a goalkeeper of immense promise, playing for our girls in the Under 18s side at just 15," he said in his tribute speech.

"Amelia was a teammate, a friend, a sister, a niece and a daughter. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her."

He added that Amelia's teammates and family "join us here on the pitch tonight as our football club comes together to pay our respects".

On Monday, Amelia's school, Aylesbury High, said she had been a "much loved, bright and talented" student who was a "cherished member" of its community.

Headmistress Marieke Forster said Amelia was a "remarkable young woman who brought joy to everyone who knew her".

"She was a gifted athlete and a dedicated student, but more importantly, she was a friend to many and a vital part of our school," she added.

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