Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight 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.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

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

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.