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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 take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.