Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.
