Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches 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 United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.