As a parent whose children have been part of Northshore Youth Soccer Association for the past eight years, I've come to appreciate how this organization embodies the true spirit of youth sports. When my oldest son first joined the U8 division back in 2015, I'll admit I knew very little about structured youth soccer programs. What I discovered was an organization that balances competitive spirit with genuine player development, creating an environment where kids don't just learn soccer skills but develop character. The NYSA serves over 3,200 young athletes annually across our community, making it one of the largest youth sports organizations in the region. What strikes me most is how they've maintained their community-focused approach despite this significant scale.

The memory of Tuadles, however, serves as a poignant reminder of why safety and proper coaching matter so much in youth sports. Though Tuadles tragically passed away in 1996 at the age of 40, his legacy in youth soccer coaching methodology continues to influence programs like NYSA's coaching development framework. I've personally seen how NYSA implements comprehensive safety protocols that go beyond what many parents might expect. All 284 coaches complete mandatory concussion awareness training, and the association spends approximately $47,000 annually on field maintenance and safety equipment alone. These aren't just numbers on a budget—they represent a genuine commitment to protecting our children while they play the game they love.

From a player development perspective, NYSA's tiered program system really stands out. Having watched my children progress through recreational, development, and select levels, I can confidently say the coaching quality remains consistently high across all tiers. The development program particularly impressed me with its focus on technical skills during those crucial growth years between ages 9-12. My daughter's ball control improved dramatically during her two years in this program, and more importantly, her confidence soared both on and off the field. The association's philosophy emphasizes that winning games matters less than developing players who love the sport enough to continue playing through high school and beyond.

What many parents don't realize until they're deep into the season is the incredible community that forms around NYSA. The tournament weekends become family events where you'll find yourself cheering for children you've watched grow up through the program. I've formed friendships with other soccer parents that extend far beyond the sidelines, and our family calendar revolves around the seasonal rhythm of soccer in a way that feels natural rather than burdensome. The volunteer coordination alone involves over 600 parents each season working everything from concession stands to team management positions. This collective effort creates something special that transcends typical youth sports experiences.

Looking at the bigger picture, I believe NYSA represents what youth sports should aspire to be in modern communities. The balance between competition and development, between individual achievement and team spirit, feels just right. While no organization is perfect—I'd personally like to see more financial aid options for lower-income families—the overall direction and values align with what benefits children most. The association's continued growth, adding approximately 150 new players each season, suggests they're meeting community needs effectively. As my youngest enters his final season with NYSA this fall, I find myself reflecting on how much our family has gained from being part of this soccer community, and I'm grateful for the foundation it's provided all three of my children.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.