England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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 United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted 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 Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
