🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” the CEO stated. Club Context The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to 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. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.