Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker 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 has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
