A mother and daughter duo at Hednesford Town are looking to make history this weekend when they go head-to-head with Sporting Khalsa in the second round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Hazzana Parnell and Remaya Osbourne both play for the Staffordshire-based club, with mum Haz – as she’s also known – having represented the likes of Charlton, Nottingham Forest and Fulham, where she played alongside Hednesford manager, Laura Hodgkiss.
She was also capped for England at youth level, competing alongside Hodgkiss in the under-19s age group.
“I started off playing for Aston Villa,” explained 38 year old Parnell. “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.
“I ended up having a break when I had Remaya but missed football and wanted to go back into it. That’s when I played for West Brom and then from there, it’s been 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.
The pair form a dynamic duo up front – as their bond off the pitch translates onto the football field – with mum daughter Osbourne assisting mum Parnell in their FA Cup tie against Hereford earlier in the competition.
“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 16 year old Osbourne. “It’s just been part of me growing up.
“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.
“Laura was on my case until I was 16 but 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.”
Hednesford, one of the few tier five sides remaining, booked their place in the second round for the first time, having overcome Bromsgrove Sporting, Hereford and SJR Worksop en-route.
“It’s a really amazing cup to be part of,” continued Parnell. “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.”
“I think it’s surreal that I’m actually playing in the proper FA Cup,” added Osbourne. “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.
“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.”
Parnell, Osbourne and their teammates face higher ranked opposition in FA Women’s National League side in Sporting Khalsa but the pair are eyeing the chance to go one better this weekend.
“Sporting Khalsa are two leagues above but we have a positive attitude,” said Parnell. “We don’t mind going in as underdogs. Sometimes people write underdogs off and they turn out to surprise them.
“It’s a good atmosphere with the girls, we’re positive and we’ll make sure we just stick together on the day and do our best.”
