Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided 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. Accompanying her to America 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, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of multiple players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.
