Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
In a significant career move, 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 expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
Her appointment follows the departure of 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 depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Coaching Pedigree
Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's abilities: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
Bay FC's Journey
The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping 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 service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Pathway Success
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the Lionesses squad, 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 is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.