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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th 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 professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

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

The Task Ahead

The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.