🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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 Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm 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 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 qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.