Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, 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 searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted 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 been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
