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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

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

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.