Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position 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 National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to resign 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,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
Bay FC experienced a contrasting 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 departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several 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 new U23 coaching staff has already commenced, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
