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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 take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end 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. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.