Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Take Helm 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 be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL 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: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
