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Emily Keogh
The Bay FC squad in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has revealed that Emma Coates, previously the manager of England’s under-23s, will be the team’s new head coach. Gemma Davies will also be joining the coaching staff as an assistant.
During her time at the Football Association (FA), Coates collaborated closely with England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman. The England U-23 team, under her guidance, maintained an undefeated record in their 2024-25 European league season, with over 25 players progressing to the senior squad during her leadership.
Coates is succeeding Albertin Montoya, whose departure was announced at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
“From the initial discussions with Bay FC, it became evident that the club shares my enthusiasm for its people, performance levels, and culture, elements I see as crucial for long-term success. I am looking forward to returning to daily on-field work, collaborating closely with the players and staff, and engaging with the supporters at PayPal Park,” Coates stated.
“My time with the FA [English Football Association] has been incredibly rewarding, contributing significantly to my professional and personal growth. I now feel prepared and eager to take on new challenges in a different setting, and I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone at the FA for their confidence, support, and belief throughout my journey.”
Bay FC was among the two teams granted an expansion position in 2023. In preparation for their inaugural season in 202, they secured Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji from Madrid CFF for what was then a world-record transfer fee.
Their first season concluded with them in seventh position, earning them a place in the playoffs.
The 2025 season saw them finish in 13th position, tied in points with Chicago Stars at the bottom of the league.
Kay Cossington, the CEO of Bay Collective, had a close working relationship with the pair during her previous role as technical director at the FA.
“Emma is an exceptional coach, and she has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest echelons of both domestic and international soccer. She is a remarkable leader and is aligned with our vision. We were searching for a coach with this kind of football acumen,” Cossington commented.
“She has the know-how to cultivate an environment conducive to optimal performance and growth. Bay FC is not only gaining an outstanding coach, but also someone with a profound understanding of women’s soccer and our athletes from every angle.”
Both Coates and Davies, who also held coaching positions at the U-19 level and with Women’s Super League (WSL) team Aston Villa, were integral members of the technical support team for the Lionesses during their consecutive UEFA Women’s Euro victories in 2022 and 2025, as well as their appearance in the 2023 World Cup Final.
Sources have indicated to ESPN that the FA considered Coates as part of their future leadership strategy for Wiegman, whose existing contract is set to end in 2027 following the World Cup in Brazil.
Gavin Step, the FA’s women’s technical director, remarked: “We extend our thanks to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them success in their new endeavors. Emma, with Gemma’s assistance, played a vital role in reinforcing the pathway linking the WU23s with the senior squad, as well as the younger age categories.
“Together, they have had a direct impact on the development of numerous young players who have since joined the senior Lionesses and have helped to re-establish the WU23s as a team that attracts fans nationwide. We are looking forward to seeing the WU23s set-up continue to flourish in the years ahead and have already begun the process of identifying their successors.”
