🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England U23 Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington. Club Context Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.