Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated 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.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

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

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.