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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

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve 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 test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, 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. 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 young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.