England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States 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 superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank 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 shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.