🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.