🔗 Share this article

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion 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,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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 right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of several 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 new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.