Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, 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

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier 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.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.