Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based 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 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.