England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
