Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures 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 one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
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 first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
