Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced 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 new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
