🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.