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In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted 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 Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.