England's Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.
Transition Stateside
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign 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 on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “She is both an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” she continued.
The Task Ahead
The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before slipping to a 13th-place finish 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 extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he finished.
Player Progression
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, with the aim to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the coming years.