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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided 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 America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Lasting Legacy

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

The search for new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.