🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Role 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. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Proven Developer During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, 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. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.