🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL 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 stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs 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 departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored 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 growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.