Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
Club Context
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, 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 new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise 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.
The search for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
