🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated 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. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated. The Task Ahead The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.