England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end 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. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted 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 growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
