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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, 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 was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced 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, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.