Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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 league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
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. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.