Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, 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 superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement 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 pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
