Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at NWSL'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 assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role 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 earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
