Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team 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 test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
