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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The California side experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen 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.

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