🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from 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 was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom 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. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.