Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided 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. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement 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 wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has already commenced, to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
