Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from 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 depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
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 high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
Gavin Step, 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 pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
