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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

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

The Task Ahead

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Pathway Success

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

The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.