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

Transition Stateside

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its debut two seasons in the top-flight 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 league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. This feels like the right moment to test my abilities in a new environment.”

Track Record of Success

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through matches including a narrow win 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 England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, highlighted Coates's abilities: “Coates is an outstanding tactician, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Her leadership qualities are exceptional of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were seeking,” the CEO stated.

The Task Ahead

The club had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in strengthening the pathway between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

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

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the coming years.