🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, 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 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 inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.” Track Record of Success Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat 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. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued. The Task Ahead Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly impacted 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 has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.