Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory 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 former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
