England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.