Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 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 led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom 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 challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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 United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a contrasting 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
