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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 be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”

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 4-2 friendly defeat 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 WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.