Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
