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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling 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 service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.