Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
