England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties 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 time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become 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 midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
