Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
