Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year 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 extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
