Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks 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 WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.