Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of 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 resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former 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 proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.
