Coach Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties 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 service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
