Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first 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 league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.