England's Emma Coates Exits 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 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.
Club Context
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The Football Association's new technical lead, 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 venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Lasting Legacy
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.
