🔗 Share this article Coach Emma Coates Leaves the Young Lionesses Role to Become Head Coach at NWSL's Bay FC 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. A New Chapter She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who guided the San Jose-based club during its inaugural two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya announced in September his intention to depart at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC occupy a lowly 13th place in the league standings. “My time with the FA has been incredible my time with the FA,” stated 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.” Coaching Pedigree 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 high-scoring loss to the United States. She will be joined to the NWSL is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the Women’s Super League. Kay Cossington, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's abilities: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to compete at the highest levels.” “Coates excels at leading of people and culture and has the strategic outlook we were seeking,” she continued. Club Context The club had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, securing a playoff spot and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a 13th-place finish 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 contributions and wish them all the best with their venture abroad. They have played a key role in fortifying the pipeline between the WU23s and the senior squad.” “Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he finished. Pathway Success After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her debut Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones. An extensive process for their replacements has already commenced, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the youth national team in the seasons ahead.