Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league 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. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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 NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
