England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses 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 was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, 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 key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.