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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced 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,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers 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 progress of the youth national team in the coming years.