England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.