🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington. Club Context The club experienced 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 13th-place finish in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.