🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end 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,” remarked 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.”

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 continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline 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

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.