🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates 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. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league 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. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.” 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 America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued. Club Context The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.