England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates 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 expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal 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 earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.