🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued. Club Context The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.