🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.” 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 high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated. Club Context The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.