England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based 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 end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial 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 gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.