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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 be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign 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,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

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

Club Context

The club experienced a mixed 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 new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.