England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.
