England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
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 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs 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 departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes 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 shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
