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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated 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 professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” she continued.

Club Context

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.