🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.” Track Record of Success Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign 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 key role 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. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.