Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post 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 take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from 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 depart at the end 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted 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 Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
