Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the end 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,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a fresh challenge.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory 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 former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were searching for,” added Cossington.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
