🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer 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 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued. Club Context The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.