Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
