Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
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 high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, 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 tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.
Club Context
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling 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 extend our best wishes with their next chapter. 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
