England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Role to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.