In a heartwarming story from the world of women's football, a mother and daughter are making history by playing together for the same team in the prestigious FA Cup. Hazzana Parnell, 38, and her 16-year-old daughter, Remaya Osbourne, are both forwards for Hednesford Town, creating a unique family dynamic on the pitch.
The tier five side is preparing for its Women's FA Cup second-round match against fourth-tier Sporting Khalsa this Sunday, with the mother-daughter duo set to feature. For Parnell, the experience goes beyond typical footballing duties. "As a mother you try to give your child the best you can," she says. "The ball will be on the line and I'll lay it back for her, as if saying: 'Go on, you have it.'"
A Footballing Family Legacy
This isn't a casual kickabout in the park. This is competitive football at a national level, fulfilling a dream that few footballers, male or female, ever achieve. Parnell's own football journey began early, attending trials with Aston Villa at just 11 years old. She later switched to Birmingham City, where she remained until she was 17.
Her professional career saw her play for several notable clubs including Fulham, Charlton, Nottingham Forest and West Brom, under managers like Keith Boanas and Matt Beard. She also represented England at Under-19 level before her career was interrupted by the birth of her daughter.
"I had Remaya, took a time out, away from football, and never thought I'd go back into it," Parnell admits. "I just stumbled back into the game. I suppose you can never really get rid of it; it's in your heart for ever."
The Unbreakable Bond on the Pitch
The pair's connection extends beyond their family ties, creating a formidable partnership in attack. They have both found themselves on the scoresheet together, with Parnell even providing an assist for her daughter's goal in Hednesford's FA Cup second round qualifying match against Bromsgrove Sporting.
"We're both just so connected," Osbourne explains. "I see her visions and she can see mine."
The opportunity to play together arose when Parnell received a call from her former teammate, Laura Hodgkiss, who now manages Hednesford's women's team alongside her partner, Jared, a former professional footballer. The call asked if Parnell would come and train with the team, reigniting her passion for the game.
"It gave me that little buzz back," she says. "So, I was playing there, Remaya turned 16 and came along to training and Laura was like: 'Remaya, you're signing.'"
Football Runs in the Family
For Osbourne, football being a family affair is all she has ever known. Her father, Isaac Osbourne, and uncle Isaiah Osbourne both played professionally, and her cousins also play. "I've always just grown up with the sport," she says. "I used to enjoy going to my dad's games when I was younger and mum used to take me along to her training sessions and matches."
Parnell reflects on the changing landscape of women's football, noting the increased accessibility for young girls compared to her own childhood. "I struggled," she recalls. "My brother used to play for Derby and I used to beg the coach to let me join in. For the last 10 minutes at the end of training he's like: 'Come on then.' It was so difficult finding other groups of girls that played football but Remaya just grew up in it."
While Osbourne has ambitions for a career in football, her mother is careful not to add pressure. "I'd never put that pressure on her," Parnell states. "I just want her to create a path for herself and enjoy her journey. If Remaya ever turns around to me and says she's not enjoying football and doesn't want to do it, then I'll support her. Her happiness is what comes first."
Looking ahead to their crucial match against Sporting Khalsa, Osbourne feels "very confident". "This is the first time we've reached this level – there's no pressure," she says. "We just need to play for the club and whatever we achieve is what we achieve."
As Parnell acknowledges her playing days are numbered, both mother and daughter are cherishing their time together on the pitch. "At home it gives us something else to talk about," Osbourne says. "We've actually gotten closer and I see myself spending more time with her and I love it."
For Parnell, the joy comes from watching her daughter flourish. "I assisted her with two and then she went on and scored her hat-trick and the depth of my scream was loud and big," she recalls with evident pride. "It's just such joy to see her be able to perform the way she is."
