England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.