Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
