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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.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

Club Context

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “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 fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.