England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, 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. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
