Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated 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.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have 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 gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
