🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves England Under-23s Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.