🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory 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 ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

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

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.