Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team 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 different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion 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.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
