In an unprecedented moment for English football, a mother and daughter have made history by becoming the first duo to play on the same team in the FA Cup.
A Family Milestone on the Pitch
Hazzana Parnell, 38, and her 18-year-old daughter, Remaya Osbourne, created a stunning family milestone last weekend when they stepped onto the pitch together for Staffordshire-based club Hednesford Town. This historic event marks the first time the prestigious tournament has witnessed a mother and daughter playing as teammates.
Football has been the family's passion long before Remaya was born. Hazzana built a substantial career, playing for clubs including Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Charlton, Nottingham Forest, and Fulham. She was also capped for England at youth level, playing alongside her now-manager at Hednesford, Laura Hodgkiss, in the under-19s squad.
After pausing her career when she was pregnant with Remaya, Hazzana's love for the game drew her back. She played for West Brom before eventually joining Hednesford.
A Shared Passion For The Game
For Remaya, football was a constant presence from childhood. "I just grew up around the game," she explained. "My mum and dad have been playing since before I was born, both of them professionally." Her journey began at her father's suggestion to join a local club, where she played grassroots football before joining Hednesford at age 16.
Since joining the same team, the pair's relationship has deepened. Remaya noted, "Since I’ve joined, it’s been so much fun. It’s been nice to play on the pitch as my mum and I bond over something else other than home life."
A Special FA Cup Run
This season has been remarkable for Hednesford Town, one of the few tier five sides remaining in the competition. The club reached the second round for the first time after victories over Bromsgrove Sporting, Hereford, and SJR Worksop.
While Hazzana has experienced the FA Cup before, this season felt different. "It’s even more special this time around because I’m doing it with Remaya," she said. "To be able to watch her enjoy the FA Cup is so special. I’ve done it already but to watch Remaya take these opportunities is great."
For Remaya, the experience was surreal. "I think I haven’t fully grasped the part that it’s not grassroots anymore," she admitted. "It’s not just the local cups - it’s the FA Cup that’s on TV."
On November 22, the pair faced higher-ranked Sporting Khalsa. Despite a 2–0 loss that ended their cup run, the result does nothing to diminish their historic achievement. Remaya added, "It’s nice to know that my mum’s done it, my dad’s done it and now it’s my turn and I just want to make them proud."
Together, Hazzana and Remaya have not only strengthened their family bond but have also secured a unique and inspiring place in the long, storied history of the FA Cup.
