Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom 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. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker 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, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.