Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish 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 contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
