Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
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 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
