England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from 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 depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.
