England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a contrasting 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 outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.