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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, 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 was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart 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,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record 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 searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route 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 has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.