England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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 league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.
