England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from 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 guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker 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 progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
