🔗 Share this article

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm 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. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, 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 has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.