Coach Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Position to Take Helm at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC
Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, the 34-year-old coach has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down 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,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”
Track Record of Success
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed 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. She will be joined to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.
Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, praised Coates's qualifications: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”
“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were looking for,” she continued.
Bay FC's Journey
The club had a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.
The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”
“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.
Pathway Success
After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the advancement of a number of players to the national team, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.
