Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of 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.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.