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In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of 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 their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.