🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 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 guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end 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. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

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 the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.