Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
