England's Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Position to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff has begun, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.
