Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
