Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach 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 take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
