Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command 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.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has begun, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
