Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side 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 premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
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 European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway 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.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.
