Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record 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 seeking,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
