Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight 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 end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, 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.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish 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 extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
