Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion 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 in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League 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 WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
