England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States 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, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side 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 departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has 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 earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.
