Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season 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 service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
