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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led 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 league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the coming years.