Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches 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 the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“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 presided over the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
