Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side 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 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.
