🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England U23 Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington. Club Context The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have 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 promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.