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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, 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. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part 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 progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.