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In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided 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.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

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

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.