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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut 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 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 challenge myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge 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. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement 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 service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the future.