Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
