England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command 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 England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

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

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.