Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from 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 resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements is now underway, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
