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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, 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.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season 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 extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.