Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at NWSL'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 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 top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.