England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.