Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.
