Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed 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 challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The club experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of a number of players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.