England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
