Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed 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.
“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. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures 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 United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway 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 presided over the promotion of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for their replacements has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
