England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former 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 excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
