England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
