Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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 the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route 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,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
