England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League 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 Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best 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 impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
