Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

Club Context

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.