🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart 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,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

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

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, 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 next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.