Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post 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 Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first 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 end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding 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.
An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the future.
