Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL'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 National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team 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. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “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 young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion 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 is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
