Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
