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In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club experienced a contrasting 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 outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.