🔗 Share this article

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight 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.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked 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 fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling 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 crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.