Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
