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In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league 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. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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 the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.