England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise 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 had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching 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 first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “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 crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
