Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th 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. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures 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.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place 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, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents 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 first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
