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In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.