Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates 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.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat 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 departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.