🔗 Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England Under-23s Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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 14-team standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.” Proven Developer In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued. The Task Ahead Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025. Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded. Player Progression After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.