Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the former England youth boss has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. Now, I feel ready and excited to challenge myself in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to America 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, spoke highly of Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

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 facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the advancement of multiple 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 their replacements is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the development of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.