Emma Coates Exits the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at National Women's Soccer League's Bay FC

In a significant career move, the 34-year-old coach has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL expansion side Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Coates succeeds Albertin Montoya, who guided the California club during its inaugural 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 league standings.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has helped shape me both on and off the pitch. This feels like the right moment to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

During her tenure in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's credentials: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of people and culture and has the tactical philosophy we were looking for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The club experienced a rollercoaster start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its debut season before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their venture abroad. Emma, with Gemma, has played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Their work has directly shaped the development of many young players who have earned call-ups to senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the rise of several players to the national team, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles is now underway, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.