Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.