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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 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 first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure 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. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, 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, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

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

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.