🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 America 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, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued. The Task Ahead The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.