Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself 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 continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
