Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed 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 California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of 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.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
