England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping 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 service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
