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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign 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,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.