🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Exits England U23 Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” the CEO stated. Club Context Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.