Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first 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 on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures 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 NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
The California side had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.
