Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with 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 was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
