Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

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

Bay FC's Journey

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.