England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a contrasting 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, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes 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 influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored 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 coming years.