Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced 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 overseen the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.
