Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the England Women’s Under-23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart 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,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a contrasting 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.
Gavin Step, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
