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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of 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 California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” she continued.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.