🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.