Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end 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,” stated 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 new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
