England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several 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 begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
