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In a significant career move, Emma Coates has left her position leading the Young Lionesses national team to assume the role of head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of 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 depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a fresh challenge.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an superb manager, but she also has a demonstrated history of elevating athletes to compete at the highest levels.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” she continued.

Bay FC's Journey

Bay FC had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their contributions and wish them all the best with their new challenge. They have played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

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

An extensive process for their replacements is now underway, with the aim to continue the development of the youth national team in the coming years.