England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated 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 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC 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 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have 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.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
