Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline 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
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
