🔗 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 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 NWSL franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued. The Task Ahead The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.