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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.