Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight 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.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure 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 the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side 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.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of a number of players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the future.
