Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures 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 former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents 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 debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.