🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss 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 led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington. The Task Ahead The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties 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 extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.