England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.