England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track 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 looking for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.