Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the England Women’s Under-23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “It has helped shape me both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”
Proven Developer
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's credentials: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to thrive domestically and internationally.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The California side experienced a contrasting 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 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 extend our best wishes with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.