Amelia Aplin: Remembering the Women’s Young Player of the Year Whose Life Was Cut Short

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Empty football goal

The football community was saddened by the tragic passing of Amelia Aplin in March 2026, a talented young goalkeeper who died at the age of just 15 while playing for Oxford United’s academy.

Amelia’s death was a devastating loss for her family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone who knew her. While she was still at the beginning of her football journey, those close to her remembered a gifted athlete, a dedicated student and a much-loved member of her community.

Her passing also highlighted the importance of supporting young athletes and the work carried out by organisations, such as Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), with a memorial fund set up in Amelia’s name to help reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death among young people.

Who was Amelia Aplin?


Amelia was a promising young goalkeeper who represented Oxford United Women’s academy. Despite being only 15 years old, she had already progressed to playing at Under-18 level, showing the ability and commitment that had helped her stand out as a footballer.

She was playing in a Junior Premier League fixture against Fulham at Oxford United’s training centre in Horspath on 7 March when she collapsed during the match. Medical staff, emergency services and those at the game attempted to help, but Amelia sadly later passed away in hospital.

Oxford United confirmed the tragic news the following day with an official statement, offering their condolences to Amelia’s family, friends, teammates and coaches. The club also praised the efforts of medical staff from both Oxford United and Fulham, as well as the emergency services who responded to the incident.

As well as being a promising goalkeeper, Amelia was also a talented swimmer. As a long-time member of Wycombe District Swimming Club, she competed in events including county championships, plus the National Cup Final in the Arena League.

Amelia’s Connection with Watford


Although Amelia played her football with Oxford United, she also had a strong connection with Watford Football Club through her family. Her father, Peter, had been a Watford season ticket holder for almost 30 years and passed his love of the club on to his daughter. As a result, Watford described Amelia as part of the club’s wider family and paid tribute to her after hearing of her passing.

Watford Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Scott Duxbury said the tragedy showed how football is about much more than what happens on the pitch. He expressed the club’s support for Amelia’s family and said everyone connected with Watford shared their grief. Supporters were invited to applaud in the 15th minute of Watford’s home match against Wrexham, on 17th March 2026, as a mark of respect.

The referee paused play for most of the 15th minute as applause rang around Vicarage Road in tribute to Amelia. Even the players got involved, with the exception of Wrexham’s Sam Smith, who was criticised online for seemingly being the only player on the pitch not to join in.

Tributes from the Football Community


Following news of Amelia’s death, messages of sympathy were shared by clubs and organisations across football.

Oxford United’s men’s first team held a minute’s silence before their Championship fixture against Blackburn Rovers on 11 March. Meanwhile, the club’s senior women’s fixture against Real Bedford, scheduled for 8 March, was postponed following the tragedy.

Before the Blackburn match kicked off, Oxford United legend Peter Rhoades-Brown addressed the crowd, speaking about Amelia’s talent and how heartbroken the club was by her passing. The sentiment was echoed by head coach Matt Bloomfield, who had met with Amelia’s parents before the match to offer his condolences.

Family, friends, players and supporters laid flowers, scarves and other tributes at the stadium’s Ox statue in memory of Amelia as the club came together to remember not only a talented young goalkeeper, but also a much-loved young woman.

Fulham, the opponents in the match during which Amelia collapsed, also expressed their sadness and sent their condolences to her family, friends and everyone connected with Oxford United. Their message was one of many from across the football community as clubs united to support those affected by the tragedy.

Supporting CRY Through Amelia’s Memorial Fund

Cardiac Risk in the Young logoFollowing Amelia’s death, her family set up a memorial fund in her name to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). The charity works to reduce the frequency of young sudden cardiac deaths, including through its screening programme. The aim of the fundraising effort is to help fund screenings for young people within the local community.

The memorial provides a way for Amelia’s name to continue making a positive difference, while supporting work that could help identify risks and prevent similar tragedies in the future. To date, CRY, who were founded in 1995, have screened over 365,000 young people, with 1 in every 300 tests flagging a potentially life-threatening heart condition.