England's Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Post to Assume Command at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.
“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a new environment.”
Coaching Pedigree
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.
Club Context
The California side had 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, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for their replacements has begun, as the FA looks to continue the development of the WU23 program in the future.
