Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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 franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team 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. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
