England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 WSL.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

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

The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.