England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches 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 the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. 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 impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
