🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement 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. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.