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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.