Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.