🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks 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. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.