🔗 Share this article

In a significant career move, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya stated in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, highlighted Coates's qualifications: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a proven track record of nurturing talent to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued.

Club Context

The California side had a rollercoaster 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.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their next chapter. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

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

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

The search 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.