England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. She will be joined 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 former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster 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, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
