🔗 Share this article

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of 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 depart at the end 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” added Cossington.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.