England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th 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 in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

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

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.