🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds 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 step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season 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. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple 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 their replacements has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.