Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed 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 challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway 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.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
