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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition 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 former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.