England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.
