Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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 expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team 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. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank 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 bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
