England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down 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. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
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 first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
