🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued. The Task Ahead The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.