Coach Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her England assistant, 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 abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the tactical philosophy we were seeking,” added Cossington.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat 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 departing duo: “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 key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.