🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated. Club Context Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.