Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.

Club Context

The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.