🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.