England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with 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

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 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

Bay FC's Journey

The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.