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

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.