Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.
The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route 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.
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
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