Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion 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,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
