Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down 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 been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement 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 service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
