🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural 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 finish second-bottom 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 on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.