Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, 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 franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “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 key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
