🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided 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 end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.” Track Record of Success Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.