Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, 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 NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
