Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.