In a significant move for women's football on both sides of the Atlantic, Emma Coates has stepped down as head coach of the England Women's Under-23 national team to become the new head coach of National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) club Bay FC.
A New Challenge in California
The 34-year-old coach replaces Albertin Montoya at the San José-based expansion side. Montoya, who led the team when it joined the NWSL two years ago, announced his resignation back in September, to take effect at the end of the 2025 season. His departure follows a challenging period for the club, which finished 13th in the 14-team league table.
Coates, who took over the England U23s from Mo Marley in 2023, leaves the Football Association after overseeing recent matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States.
She will be joined in her new venture by her England assistant, Gemma Davies. Davies brings valuable experience from the Women's Super League, having previously managed Aston Villa.
Building a Legacy with the Lionesses
Reflecting on her time with the FA, Coates expressed gratitude for the opportunity. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA," she said. "It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment."
Her impact on the England youth setup has been notable. Under her guidance, several players have progressed to the senior Lionesses squad. This includes midfielder Lucia Kendall – who recently scored her debut senior goal against Ghana – as well as forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Gavin Step, the FA's new women's technical director, praised Coates and Davies for their contributions. "Emma, with Gemma's support, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad," he stated, adding that the search for their replacements has already begun.
Bay FC's Vision for the Future
For Bay FC, the appointment signals a clear ambition. The club, which finished a respectable seventh in its 2024 debut season and reached the playoffs, slumped to a second-bottom finish this year. The new leadership will be tasked with revitalising the squad, which boasts talent like Zambia forward Racheal Kundananji, a world-record signing in February 2024.
Kay Cossington, CEO of Bay Collective and former FA women's technical director, led the recruitment. "Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels," Cossington said. "She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for."
This transatlantic move highlights the growing interconnectedness of the women's game and marks a major step in Coates's burgeoning coaching career.
