🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm 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. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.