Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, 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.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.
