🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Departs 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 WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier 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. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated. Club Context The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, 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, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.