🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.