🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League 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 Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey The California side experienced 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. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.