Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
