Former England U23 boss Emma Coates is leaving her role to take charge of NWSL team Bay FC. The 34-year-old, who has been in charge of the under-23s since 2023, will be joined by assistant Gemma Davies, a former manager of Aston Villa's women's team.
Coates' departure from England Football Association (FA) comes after her team's improved performances, including a win over Norway and a defeat to the United States. In September, the FA announced that their head coach Albertin Montoya would be stepping down at the end of the 2025 season.
Coates expressed her gratitude for her time with the FA, citing its impact on both her professional and personal growth. She is now looking forward to new challenges in a fresh environment.
The new Bay FC boss has been praised by the club's CEO Kay Cossington for her excellent coaching skills and ability to develop young players. Cossington described Coates as an "outstanding leader" who has consistently delivered results with clarity, care, and purpose.
Coates' decision to leave the FA is expected to be a blow to the under-23 team, which has seen several players progress to the senior side during her tenure. Her departure will undoubtedly have implications for the future of English women's football, particularly in terms of developing young talent.
As Coates embarks on this new chapter in her coaching career, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how she adapts to the challenges of leading a team at the professional level. With her experience and track record of success, there is certainly hope that Bay FC can benefit from her leadership.
Coates' departure from England Football Association (FA) comes after her team's improved performances, including a win over Norway and a defeat to the United States. In September, the FA announced that their head coach Albertin Montoya would be stepping down at the end of the 2025 season.
Coates expressed her gratitude for her time with the FA, citing its impact on both her professional and personal growth. She is now looking forward to new challenges in a fresh environment.
The new Bay FC boss has been praised by the club's CEO Kay Cossington for her excellent coaching skills and ability to develop young players. Cossington described Coates as an "outstanding leader" who has consistently delivered results with clarity, care, and purpose.
Coates' decision to leave the FA is expected to be a blow to the under-23 team, which has seen several players progress to the senior side during her tenure. Her departure will undoubtedly have implications for the future of English women's football, particularly in terms of developing young talent.
As Coates embarks on this new chapter in her coaching career, fans and pundits alike will be eager to see how she adapts to the challenges of leading a team at the professional level. With her experience and track record of success, there is certainly hope that Bay FC can benefit from her leadership.
, hopes she brings that England U23 magic over to NWSL 
"
, she's already made a huge impact with the U23s and I'm sure she'll bring that same energy to Bay FC 
! I mean, who wouldn't want to work for a team that's seen so many young players make it to the senior level? That's gotta be some serious coaching skills 
. And let's be real, Gemma Davies is no slouch either 
, she's worked with some top talent at Aston Villa and I'm sure she'll help Coates settle in at Bay FC quickly 
. I'm excited to see how this new chapter unfolds for Emma and the team 
.
she's got such great credentials and bay fc is gonna love having her on board 
! it's not surprising the fa are letting her go, tbh - she's been crushing it with the u23s since 2023 and the team's seen some serious growth under her leadership 
. can't wait to see how she adapts to the pro league tho, she'll have her work cut out for her 
but i've got faith in her, she's an outstanding leader and has a track record of success 
. this is definitely a big step up for her career, and bay fc are gonna be lucky to have her at the helm 
.
. Don't get me wrong, Emma Coates' achievements with the U23 team are impressive, but let's not forget that she's stepping out of a very privileged position - working for a national football association with a seemingly endless budget and resources 
.
. It's like, what about those girls? What kind of role models do we want to be for them?
. Bay FC is probably gonna be all about young blood and pretty players, while the under-23 team gets stuck with whoever the FA can scrounge up next 
. Coates was good with the U23s, but let's be real, that's not exactly the pinnacle of women's football... now she's gotta deal with egos, salaries, and all the drama that comes with being a pro coach 
. Still, I guess it's good for her career and all that, but I just don't see how Bay FC is gonna make it in NWSL without some major overhaul 
She's been doing a pretty great job, especially with those wins over Norway and the US 
. I mean, it's cool that she's taking on new challenges at Bay FC, but it feels like we're losing out on someone who's really good with young players 
. The FA is gonna be a bit weaker without her guidance 
. On the other hand, I'm sure Bay FC will do great under her and Gemma Davies 
. It'll be interesting to see how she adapts to the pro level, though... might be tough for her to take on all those new responsibilities 
.
Also, wasn't there something about Montoya stepping down already in 2025? Just curious where this all goes down.
anyway, did you know that female coaches are way underrepresented in the sport? only 1% of all UEFA national team managers are women 
according to a study, women are just as good as men at coaching football 
️ but they're still not getting the same opportunities 
on the other hand, Emma Coates has been doing some awesome stuff with the U23 team... her teams have won 3 out of their last 5 games 
and she's helped develop several talented young players 
winning back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 
and I'm excited to see how Emma Coates adapts her coaching style to lead Bay FC 
. England U23 might be losing a legend, but Bay FC is gaining an awesome coach who knows what it takes to succeed 
!
She's actually moving on to lead Bay FC in the NWSL! I think it's awesome she's taking a new challenge 
. As a parent, you want to see your kids grow and develop their skills, just like Coates has done with her team 
anyway its sad to see her go but im so hyped for bay fc 
. And with Montoya steppin' down, it was bound to happen. Emma Coates is an excellent coach and she deserves a shot at the big leagues 
i mean, i'm happy for her and all but can't she just have one stable job for once? 
she's been with the under-23s since 2023 and now she's off to try her luck in the NWSL... i guess it's good that they're recognizing her skills and all but is this really the best move for her career?