Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best 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 influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
