🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “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 pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.