Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement 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.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
