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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced 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.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined 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, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history 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 searching for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.