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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds 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 step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.