Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 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 step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
