England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen 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.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
