Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of 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 depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping 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 extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
