Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight 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 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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 United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side had a rollercoaster 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several 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.
An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
