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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 franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who was at the helm of the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to resign at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “The experience has been formative both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to test my abilities in a different setting.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to America is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League.

The club's chief executive, a one-time Football Association technical lead, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Coates is an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

Bay FC experienced a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and suffering a postseason defeat in its debut season before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the departing duo: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their time with us and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a crucial part in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Together, they have directly shaped the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Lasting Legacy

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates presided over the rise of several players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, with the aim to continue the development of the Women’s Under-23s setup in the seasons ahead.