Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural 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 finish second-bottom in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster 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 Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
