England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked 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 fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted 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 football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat 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 wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.