Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach 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.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom 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 in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, 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 qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion 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.
The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
