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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

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 conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place 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 in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches 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 former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

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 developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a mixed 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 new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.