Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

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 announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team 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. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.