Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a rollercoaster 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
