🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom 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 on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat 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 WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued. Club Context The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway 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 finished. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.