Emma Coates Departs the Young Lionesses Role to Assume Command at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the 34-year-old coach has left her position leading the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to depart at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both professionally and personally. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a fresh challenge.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Making the move alongside her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “She is both an outstanding tactician, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of teams and environments and has the football vision we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before struggling to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has begun, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.