Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.