England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.