🔗 Share this article

Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, 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

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its debut 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 finish second-bottom in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches 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 the NWSL is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

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

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

The Task Ahead

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its first year before struggling 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 next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly influenced the development of many promising talents who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” he finished.

Player Progression

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

The search for their replacements is now underway, to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the coming years.