Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier 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 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, 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 qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 pivotal part in strengthening the pathway 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 added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
