🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.