Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league 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. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

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

Bay FC's Journey

The club 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.

Gavin Step, 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 next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

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

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.