🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.” “Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Club Context The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Pathway Success Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple 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, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.