Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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 America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
