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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.