Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command 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 be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a mixed 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
