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In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier 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 league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

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

The Task Ahead

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 near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, 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. They have 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 young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.