Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first 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 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League 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 former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to 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 fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
