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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th 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 in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

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

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

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

Discussions for their replacements has begun, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.