England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart 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,” 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 fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.
