🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has 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 been integral to the advancement of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.