🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, 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 abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued. Bay FC's Journey 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 near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped 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 advancement of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.