Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
