Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
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 resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, 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 qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC experienced 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 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 extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
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 netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
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