Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California 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 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures 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 the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, 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: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

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 netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.