🔗 Share this article

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several 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.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.