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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve 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 challenge myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Pathway Success

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

Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.