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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.