Hazzana Parnell and her daughter Remaya have written their names in the history books as the first duo to play on the same team in the FA Cup in a stunning family milestone
A mother and daughter sharing the same pitch, on the same team, is something the FA Cup has never seen before – until now. Last weekend, Hazzana Parnell and her daughter Remaya Osbourne stepped onto the grass for Hednesford Town and made history together.
For the Staffordshire-based club, it’s a milestone moment. But for the family, football has been woven into their lives long before Remaya was even born.
Hazzana, has played for years, building a career across Charlton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham – where she once played against her now-manager at Hednesford, Laura Hodgkiss.
“I started off playing for Aston Villa,” explained 38-year-old Hazzana. “From there, I joined Birmingham City and I was there until the age of 15 or 16. I left to go to Charlton where I loved playing.”
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She was also capped for England at youth level, competing alongside Laura in the under-19s age group.
When she became pregnant with Remaya, she stepped away from the game. But the pause didn’t last long. She missed football too much and eventually returned, playing for West Brom before joining Hednesford.
“It’s been a journey of up and downs, but it’s been a good journey and it’s been nice to re-join football and be able to run the pitch, scoring goals and celebrating together,” she said.
Now the pair share the same pitch. They’ve become a rare, history-making duo – bringing their bond into the game they both love.
Remaya grew up surrounded by football. It wasn’t just something she watched – it is a shared passion that united her family. “I just grew up around the game, so my mum and dad have been playing since before I was born, both of them professionally,” said 18-year-old Remaya.
She added: “My dad asked me to join a team, so I got involved at a local club and have been playing grassroots ever since, going to a few trials. Then I came here with my mum just to train with the team, but I had to wait until I was 16 to join.”
As soon as she turned 16, Laura encouraged her to join and from that very moment, her bond with her mum changed. “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,” she explained.
For the club, this season has already been something special. Hednesford, one of the few tier five sides still standing, reached the second round for the first time after beating Bromsgrove Sporting, Hereford and SJR Worksop.
While her time in the FA cup has always been amazing, this FA Cup run feels different for Hazzana. She said: “It’s even more special this time around because I’m doing it with Remaya. I pray and hope that she gets a goal and causes havoc on the pitch!
“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, this was her first time playing in the FA cup and she was able to do so with her mother. Remaya said: “I think it’s surreal that I’m actually playing in the proper FA Cup,” she said. “I think I haven’t fully grasped the part that it’s not grassroots anymore. It’s not just the local cups – it’s the FA Cup that’s on TV.”
The pair faced higher-ranked Sporting Khalsa on the November 22 and were knocked out in a 2–0 loss. But the result doesn’t take away their achievement – they made history together.
“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,” Remaya added.
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