Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.
