England's 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 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
