England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition 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 English top division.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement 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 key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.