The Next Goal™ – Your Inside Pass to Success in Football
“If you want to get ahead in football, you need to know what really goes on.”
I’m Rob McDonald – a former pro, UEFA Pro coach and someone who knows the game inside out.
I’ve played, coached, scouted and been through what still lies ahead of you.
And now I want to share my knowledge and my network with you.
That’s why I’ve created The Next Goal™ – my new podcast packed with stories, tips and inside information to help you move your career forward.
My new podcast – launching in September
Why you can’t afford to miss this podcast
My new podcast, The Next Goal™, launches on YouTube in September. And it’s made for you – whether you’re an ambitious young player, the parent of a talented youngster, a coach, scout, club employee or simply football-mad.
I’ll take you behind the scenes of the football world. You’ll hear real stories, tips and do’s & don’ts from people who have been there themselves. No polished spiel, just honest conversations you can put to use straight away.
“I want you to learn from people who have really been there – so you can make better choices and go further.” – Rob McDonald
Who I’m making The Next Goal™ for
- For you if you dream of a professional career
- For you as a parent who wants to guide your child in the right way
- For you as a coach who wants to improve
- For you as a scout or club employee who wants to understand the game behind the scenes
- Really, for anyone who wants to know how the football world actually works
What makes my podcast different?
1. Honest and straight from the heart
I say what I think. So do my guests. We share our successes and our mistakes, so you don’t fall into the same traps.
2. Every aspect of football
I’ll explore the big topics with you, including:
- The Next Day – what does your perfect day look like? From nutrition and sleep to training and getting on with your teammates.
- The Next Game – how do you prepare mentally and physically, and how do you deal with the crowd, the press and your opponents?
- The Next Club – how do you choose a club that suits you, and should money be the deciding factor?
3. Valuable tips from people with first-hand experience
You’ll get advice from top coaches, former pros and other insiders. The lessons they’ve learnt are ones you won’t have to learn yourself through trial and error.
Why you can trust me as a source of valuable information:
I’ve been around the block in this world:
- I was a professional footballer and played at home and abroad
- I hold my UEFA Pro Licence – the highest coaching qualification
- I’ve coached at every level – from academy football to head coach in the professional game
- I have a global network of top players, coaches and scouts
- And above all: I’m not an agent and I have no hidden agenda. I want you to have a fair chance.
“I’ve seen the good sides and the not-so-good sides. I want to pass that knowledge on to you, so you’re in a stronger position.” – Rob McDonald
What you’ll learn
- How to make the most of your playing career
- How to genuinely help your child as a parent
- How to choose the right club
- How to get to grips with football’s unwritten rules
- How to deal with injuries and setbacks
- How to avoid falling into the wrong hands with agents or clubs
Topics you can look forward to
- “The truth about agents” – what you need to know before you sign
- “Staying mentally strong” – how to handle pressure, criticism and competition
- “Making the move abroad” – preparation, culture and pitfalls
- “The role of parents” – supporting without smothering
- “Scouts and opportunities” – what they really look for in a player
Why I’m doing this
I see too many talented players fall by the wayside. Not because they aren’t good enough, but because they don’t know the rules off the pitch.
With The Next Goal™, I want to give you that knowledge.
I want you to hear the tips and stories I wish I’d had when I was starting out.
“Talent is a great thing, but without the right choices, you won’t make it. I want to help you get those choices right.” – Rob McDonald
When and where can you tune in?
Launch: September
Platform: YouTube – Rob McDonald Official
Subscribe here: Rob McDonald’s YouTube channel
The Next Goal™ is your inside pass to the top.
Through frank conversations, practical tips and honest insights, I’ll give you everything you need to be better prepared than your competition.
Don’t miss kick-off.
Subscribe now to my YouTube channel. That’s where you’ll find the first episode (2 September 2025).
Your next goal starts here.