When Hazzana Parnell steps onto the pitch for Hednesford Town's FA Cup second-round tie against Sporting Khalsa on Sunday, she will do so alongside her 16-year-old daughter, Remaya Osbourne. The pair, both forwards, have already made history by playing together in the same team in the competition, a feat that remains rare in both men's and women's football.
Parnell, 38, enjoyed a distinguished career that included spells at Fulham, Charlton, Nottingham Forest and West Brom, as well as representing England Under-19s. After taking a break from the game following Osbourne's birth, she thought her playing days were over. However, a call from former teammate Laura Hodgkiss, who manages Hednesford's women's team with her partner Jared, persuaded her to return to training. When Osbourne turned 16, she joined as well, and the family connection on the pitch was re-established.
The pair have already combined for goals, with Parnell providing an assist for her daughter's strike in Hednesford's qualifying victory over Bromsgrove Sporting. "It's a bit surreal," Parnell said. "I used to take her along to games. It's just amazing to see her on the pitch with me." Osbourne added: "We're both just so connected. I see her visions and she can see mine."
Football runs in the family: Osbourne's father Isaac and uncle Isaiah both played professionally, and she has grown up surrounded by the sport. Parnell, who struggled to find girls' teams during her own youth, is delighted that her daughter has greater opportunities. She said: "It's nice to see that I've been able to make a contribution to the pathway that's created for her to be able to access now."
Ahead of Sunday's match, Osbourne insisted the team feel no pressure. "This is the first time we've reached this level," she said. "We just need to play for the club and whatever we achieve is what we achieve." Parnell, aware her playing career is nearing its end, simply wants her daughter to enjoy the journey. "Her happiness is what comes first," she added.
