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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

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

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.