Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a mixed 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 new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
