🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.