COLLEGE student Emily Carney has Premier League ambitions after being named Bolton and Bury District Football League's referee of the year.

Carney, aged 17, of Morris Green, hopes to pursue a playing career in the women's game but has not ruled out officiating at the highest level if that doesn't work out.

She currently combines turning out for Ladybridge Ladies FC with refereeing duties in local junior football, taking charge of games in the BBDFL for the past four years.

"I took up refereeing because I have a passion for football," she explained.

"It means I can still be involved in football for many years to come if I get to a stage where I can't play anymore.

"As a footballer, I think everyone has ambitions to play for their country and as long as I have the choice I would have to say that I want to continue playing as long as I can, rather than going straight into refereeing.

"But I think I will always harbour a dream to make it to the top level of refereeing – my biggest ambition is to be a women's referee in the men's Premier League."

The former Mount St Joseph's pupil, who now studies at Bolton Sixth Form, says her dad, Jason Carney, has been her biggest influence in football.

He has a UEFA B coaching licence and worked with the first team at Preston North End before going over to coach in America 11 years ago.

Her connections in the US means she can combine visits with playing for academies Stateside, but remains passionate about her refereeing duties throughout the winter back home in Bolton.

Carney has encouraged other young footballers – boys and girls – to follow her lead, and believes many youngsters with ambitions of playing professionally would benefit from training as an official.

"I think while boys and girls are young they should start the refereeing course," she said.

"You see a different side of the game when officiating. I have enjoyed watching the quality of football some of the young teams produce and also watching teams grow and progress over the seasons.

"I got into it by taking a course with the Lancashire FA. They put on an amazing course and have been very helpful since I graduated.

"The BBDFL have also been a massive help in the four seasons I have been with them. Chris Rees, especially, has helped me to develop as a referee.

"They will be starting an Under-21s league this year, so hopefully I will be able to referee in that."

Carney is currently a Level Seven referee, but is going through the promotion process to step up to Level Six, which will allow her to officiate at county level.

Refereeing highlights so far have included running the line in the West Lancashire League last season, and acting as referee’s assistant in the Under-18s Cup final at the Macron Stadium.

She is clearly highly regarded, but it is testament to the teenager's character and humility that she was completely taken aback when the BBDFL singled her out for an award, which she will be officially presented with next month.

"Winning the award shocked me, if I'm honest," she added. "But I am delighted to have won it. Without doubt it is the best achievement of my life so far."