🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued. Club Context The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.