Coach Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
Club Context
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
