Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role 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 NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
