England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight 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 league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Club Context
The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
