🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds 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 resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, 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 new challenge. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.