🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win 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 ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated. The Task Ahead Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.