England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach 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 National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced 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, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
