🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.” 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 America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington. Club Context The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot 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 service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.