🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Exits England Under-23s Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses 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 was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued. The Task Ahead The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “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 bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.