England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
