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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates 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.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, 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 progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.