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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 National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart 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,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping 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 time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.