Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed 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.”
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 European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
