Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.