🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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 expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Her appointment follows the departure of 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 depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.” 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 European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “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 key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.