🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve 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 different setting.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat 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 service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.