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In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from 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

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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 challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

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

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the England senior side, 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, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.