🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Take Helm 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 Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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 ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued. The Task Ahead Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.