England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
