Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs 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: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
