🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down 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,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition 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, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued. The Task Ahead The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, 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. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.