🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington. Club Context The California side had a rollercoaster 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. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.