🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve 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 new environment.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, 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 outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.