England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL'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.
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 depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
