🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.” Proven Developer Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington. Bay FC's Journey The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.