KARL Robinson says Oxford United have a ‘duty’ to help grow the women’s game across the county.

The club’s latest initiative saw U’s Women top-scorer Beth Lumsden invited to train with the men’s Under 18s last Thursday.

The midfielder has impressed since signing from Charlton Athletic in July and took her goal tally to ten during Sunday’s 2-0 National League Cup win over Bridgwater United.

Also in the session was the likes of Marcus McGuane and Luke McNally, with Lumsden taking part in non-contact training, including ball retention and gym work.

She said: “It’s a lot quicker and I’ve been getting used to that pace, I’ve really enjoyed it.

“Obviously they’re a lot taller and stronger, it’s tough getting into it right at the beginning but as the session went on, I eased myself into it.”

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Robinson said: “We said to Liam [Gilbert, women’s manager], if there are women who feel they need to do a little bit more, we’ll open up a Thursday to train with the shadow squad or the Under 18s.

“It’s about bringing this club together – we all wear the same shirt, we all have the same objective for the football club.

“I don’t see why there should be a disconnection.”

It is one of several ways United are strengthening the links between their age-group and senior sides in a bid to foster a ‘one-club mentality’.

The women’s first-team and girls’ squads train at their Oxford Sports Park base three nights a week, using indoor and outdoor facilities.

Meanwhile, director of performance Chris Neville is not just tasked with first-team duties, but also the female and academy programmes.

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Robinson said: “Whether it’s our Under 9s, our Under 16s or our women’s team, we talk about this being an inclusive sport.

“Our ownership believe we can change how people see the game within Oxfordshire.

“As the professional football club, we’ve got a duty to do more.”

The U’s boss has led sessions with some of the girls’ and women’s sides, while Gilbert occasionally shadows Robinson when the men’s first-team are training.

He said: “It’s important I have a handle on things, the experience I’ve gained over the years seeing different levels and standards helps.

“Liam does a great job and everything they’re doing in the women’s department is getting better.

“Having Nev overseeing it as head of performance, that doesn’t half change things.

“We’re trying to make it a better place for young women and hopefully it can inspire the next generation of kids.

“I said to our Under 14 girls team: ‘You’re the lucky ones. When you get to the next level and hopefully the one above, you’ll reap the rewards of what the girls do today’.

“The harder they work, their chance will be different to young kids ten years before.”

United are fifth in FA Women’s National League Southern Premier, just two points off third-placed Bridgwater United with two games in hand.

They travel to Fulham in the first round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup this Sunday.