Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side 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 had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
