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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.