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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- 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 developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank 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.”

“Together, they have directly impacted 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 presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.