Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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 professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Player Progression

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.

The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.