Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
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 high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
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 near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
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 recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.