🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree 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 America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, 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. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.