Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
