Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
