Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service 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.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.
