England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
