Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach 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
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
