England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen 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.

The search for their replacements has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.