Memorial fund launched in memory of late Aylesbury Vale 15-year-old goalkeeper who died during match
A memorial fund has been set up in the name of a teenage goalkeeper from Aylesbury Vale who died during a football match.
Amelia Aplin from Quainton, who was 15 years old, died on March 7 whilst playing for Oxford United’s Under 18s team.
Amelia collapsed on the pitch while her Oxford side were playing Fulham and could not be resuscitated, she was pronounced dead at the London club’s training ground in Horspath.
Since her passing, the Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire footballing community have been in mourning. Minutes applause paying tribute to Amelia were held during Oxford United’s men’s teams EFL match with Watford.
Last month, Oxford United Women held a charity raffle at its last two home matches to raise funds for Cardiac Risk in the Young.
This memorial fund remains open on the national charity’s website and can be found online here.
A community concert supporting the fundraising campaign was held in Amelia’s home village with Quainton and Waddesdon Community Choir raising £680 for the fund through a collection on the day.
Oxford United revealed that the fundraising scheme was organised by Amelia’s parents, who have asked people to respect their privacy at this time. Her funeral was recently held at Quainton Church and the same vicar that led proceedings oversaw the fundraising event.
Amelia, attended Aylesbury High School and the grammar institution was among the many people and organisations that paid tribute to the late goalkeeper. The school said she had been a "much loved, bright and talented" student who was a "cherished member" of its community.
She was also a member of the High Wycombe Swimming Club. In a statement the club said: “We are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of a long-time Wycombe member and beloved friend, Amelia Aplin (15), who collapsed during a football match on Saturday.”
Beyond being a longtime member the talented Aylesbury Vale athlete had also represented the swimming club at a regional and national level. It added: “Amelia represented the club in numerous competitions, including County championships, Regional championships and Arena League events, including the National Cup Final.”
In the final months of the EFL season, Oxford United men’s head coach Matt Bloomfield, consistently referenced her passing saying she would “be in our hearts forever” in one interview.