🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves England U23 Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Transition Stateside Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first 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 occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings. “It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.” Coaching Pedigree Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory 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 former Aston Villa manager in the WSL. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.” “Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.” “Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added. Lasting Legacy Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.