🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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 league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Club Context Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.