Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her 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, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank 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 fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.