🔗 Share this article Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.” Coaching Pedigree In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.” “She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated. Bay FC's Journey The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025. The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.