Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Assume Command 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 take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.