Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league 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. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway 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.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder 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 begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
