đ Share this article England's Emma Coates Departs England U23 Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC. Fresh Beginnings She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings. âI have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,â commented Coates. âThe experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.â Track Record of Success In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division. The club's chief executive, a former FA womenâs technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: âEmma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.â âCoates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,â added Cossington. Club Context The club experienced a rollercoaster 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, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: âWe thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.â âTogether, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,â he added. Player Progression Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendallâwho recently scored her debut Lionesses goalâand forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. The search for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.