England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural 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 end up 13th in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
