England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”

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 high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has 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.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen 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.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.