Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end 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 helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches 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 the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
