England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible 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 fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm 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. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
