Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC
In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has stepped down from the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
A New Chapter
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight 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,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to test my abilities in a new environment.”
Track Record of Success
During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.
The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Coates is an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to compete at the highest levels.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Lasting Legacy
Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
The search for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the growth of the youth national team in the coming years.