Emma Coates leaves England U23 role to become head coach at NWSL’s Bay FC

Coates ‘ready and excited’ to replace Albertin Montoya

U23 assistant Gemma Davies to join Coates in San Jose

Emma Coates has left her position as the leader of England Women’s Under-23 national team to become the new head coach of the NWSL side Bay FC.

Coates replaces Albertin Montoya, who was the coach of the expansion team when it entered the National Women’s Soccer League two years ago. Montoya announced in September that he would resign at the end of the 2025 season, with the San Jose side finishing 13th in the 14-team table.

The 34-year-old Coates has coached the England U23 team since 2023, most recently overseeing a 1-0 European U23 League win over Norway and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Her England assistant, Gemma Davies, who previously managed Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League, will join her at Bay FC.