Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former 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 abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

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

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.