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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties 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 wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.