England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight 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 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
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 high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
