Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.
