England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading 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 led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign 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,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
