Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command 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.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated 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.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline 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 finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, 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 is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
