🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of 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. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat 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 English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued. The Task Ahead The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of 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. The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.