Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former 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 elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.