England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with 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 was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
