🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC. A New Chapter Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.” Proven Developer During her tenure 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 America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington. Club Context Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline 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,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.