🔗 Share this article

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed 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 push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, 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, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to 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 WU23s and the senior squad.”

“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 been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.