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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve 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 push myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.