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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, 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 demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.