Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural 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.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement 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 time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the coming years.
