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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible 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 challenge myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, 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 football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several 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 their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.