Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory 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.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping 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 time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
