Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Post to Take Helm at NWSL's Bay FC
Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, the former England youth boss has resigned her post with the England WU23 national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.
Fresh Beginnings
She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated 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 14-team standings.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”
Proven Developer
In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory 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 Women’s Super League.
Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of elevating athletes to succeed on the biggest stages.”
“She is an outstanding leader of squads and building ethos and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” the CEO stated.
The Task Ahead
Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign 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 service and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”
“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 midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.
Discussions for successors to fill the roles is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.
