🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.