England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
