🔗 Share this article

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.

Club Context

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role 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.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.