Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach 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 National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
