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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former 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 credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline 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

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.