A UNIVERSITY of Bolton student’s photographic exhibition is highlighting girl power in football.

Mum of two Carly Jones, whose daughters Layla, aged seven, and Ruby, four, both play the sport, she says she wanted to show how females playing football was a huge confidence booster.

Carly, from Rossendale, has self-published a book entitled ‘Empower Me’, which features many of her photographs.

It coincides with the eighth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament which opened in France at the weekend.

The England team, coached by former Manchester United and Everton player Phil Neville, played Scotland in its opening game of the group stages on Sunday and won 2-1.

In the book Carly, aged 30, says: “Through photography and a more recent media coverage, women’s football is being shot into the forefront of the public domain.

“This offers new sporting ideas and opportunities to the general female population, helping women to become re-energised and empowered to take part in this once only male sport.”

Carly, who has completed a BA (Hons) Degree in Photography and is due to graduate next month, said she was interested in the power of photography to change views and perceptions in society. During her project, she has worked with females of all ages and in various roles.

Carly said she hoped that it showed that football was now very much a women’s game.

Her husband Warren, who graduated from the University of Bolton last year with a degree in creative writing, coaches Accrington Stanley Community Trust’s Girls’ Under 8/9s.

Carly said they spend most of their weekend supporting the youngsters as they play football. She said: “Layla absolutely loves playing football and when I watch her it is so obvious that it makes girls feel stronger and more confident.

"She has inspired her younger sister Ruby, to start playing too. I wish I had had the opportunity to play when I was a girl, it’s fantastic. All the parents of the girls I have photographed have been extremely supportive.

“I love photography and I have enjoyed doing my degree at Bolton, even though it has been hard at times having two young children and working part-time. We even moved house earlier this year!

“I was mainly doing wedding photography before and this course and the tutors have opened my eyes to other subjects.

“I absolutely love taking photographs of females of all ages playing football.“There’s a bright future ahead for the women’s game.”

Carly’s exhibition is part of the University of Bolton’s School of Arts Creative Show until June 22, excluding weekends.