England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League'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 be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart 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,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a rollercoaster 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, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
