I remember the first time I saw Adam Smith play. It was a damp Tuesday evening at the club’s academy ground, the floodlights casting long shadows across the pitch. He was 15, maybe 16, and while he wasn’t the biggest or the fastest on the pitch, there was an undeniable clarity to his decision-making, a spatial awareness that you simply can’t teach. Back then, we’d talk about the “ones who get it.” Adam, even as a lanky teenager, just got it. His journey from those academy pitches to the bright lights of professional success isn’t just a tale of talent; it’s a masterclass in modern player development, navigating the increasingly digital and globalized landscape of football. I’ve followed dozens of prospects over the years, and Smith’s path stands out precisely because it mirrors the new realities young players face—realities where a crucial career step can hinge on a digital submission from thousands of miles away, much like the scenario described in that quote about online processes for Korea. It’s a world away from the old-school methods, and Smith, perhaps intuitively, navigated it perfectly.

The academy phase is where the foundation is poured, and Smith’s club had a renowned program focused on technical proficiency over pure physicality. He logged over 10,000 hours of deliberate practice by the age of 18, a figure often cited in talent development circles, though the exact number is always debated. What mattered wasn’t just the volume, but the quality. I recall speaking to one of his youth coaches, who told me Smith would stay behind after every session, working on his weaker left foot or practicing set-piece deliveries. This self-directed improvement is a hallmark of the modern elite prospect. They’re not just passive recipients of coaching; they’re active architects of their own game. His breakthrough, however, almost didn’t happen due to a bureaucratic snag with an international youth tournament. The paperwork was a mess, and it looked like he’d miss a crucial showcase. This is where the modern system intervened. Instead of frantic couriers and missed flights, the clearance was handled through a secure online portal, files uploaded and verified digitally. It was seamless. It reminds me of that quote from another young athlete navigating international requirements: “I asked if it was online only or if I needed to go there (Korea). They said online only, so I wouldn’t have a problem there as long as I submit the needed files.” That’s the ecosystem Smith came of age in—a world where administrative hurdles are solved with PDFs and passwords, freeing the player to focus on the pitch.

His transition to the first team was strategically managed, not rushed. He made his professional debut at 19 in a cup match, playing a solid 70 minutes. But the real turning point, in my opinion, was the loan move to a competitive Championship side. Too many clubs hoard talent, letting it stagnate on the bench. Smith’s club got this decision right. He went away, played 38 grueling league games, scored 9 goals from midfield, and learned to win in hostile environments. That season hardened him. When he returned, he wasn’t just a promising academy kid; he was a proven performer. His first full Premier League season saw him start 28 matches, with a pass completion rate hovering around 89%—a statistic that, while I might be off by a percent or two, underscores his reliability and technical security. He became the metronome of the team’s midfield. What I admire most is his adaptability. The game has sped up immensely, but Smith’s game intelligence allows him to dictate the tempo. He’s not a flashy dribbler; he’s a processor, reading the game two passes ahead.

Looking at his rise, it’s clear that success today is a hybrid model. It’s the timeless elements—discipline, grit, that innate football brain—fused with a seamless integration into football’s new digital infrastructure. The scouting reports, the performance data analytics (he apparently generates over 1,500 data points per match, for what that’s worth), the contract negotiations, and even aspects of medical oversight are now deeply interwoven with technology. Smith’s story is a blueprint. It shows the importance of a patient, holistic academy education, the non-negotiable value of competitive loan experience, and the ability to leverage the global, digital frameworks that now underpin the sport. He didn’t just become a footballer; he evolved into a modern professional athlete, comfortable in a landscape where your next opportunity might depend on a stable internet connection and a well-organized digital folder as much as a perfectly weighted through-ball. For any young player dreaming of that journey, Adam Smith’s path offers the most relevant map we have.

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.