🔗 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, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings 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 resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.” Coaching Pedigree During her tenure 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.