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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge 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. She will be joined to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us 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.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

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

The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.