🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.