Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have 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 been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
