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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the premier American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to challenge myself in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

During her tenure in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of people and culture and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The Football Association's new technical lead, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “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 pivotal part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” he added.

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, to continue the growth of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the future.