🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Position to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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 league standings. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.” Track Record of Success During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win 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 former Aston Villa manager in the English top division. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.” “She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued. The Task Ahead The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us 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.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Lasting Legacy After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.