🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.