England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion 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,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League 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 Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish 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 venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker 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 has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
