England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from 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 depart 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,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
