Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm 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 England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.