Coach Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league 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 test my abilities in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side had 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 Football Association's new technical lead, 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 key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

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

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.