🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington. Club Context The California side had a rollercoaster 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: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly impacted 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 promotion of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.