England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League'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 be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise 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 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.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
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. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
