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Embarking on a fresh professional challenge, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

A New Chapter

Her appointment follows the departure of Albertin Montoya, who led the San Jose-based club during its inaugural 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 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” commented Coates. “The experience has been formative both on and off the pitch. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates managed the England U23s through fixtures including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the continental competition and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

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

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

Club Context

Bay FC had a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its first year before facing difficulties to a 13th-place finish in 2025.

The new FA women’s technical director, Gavin Step, offered thanks to the departing duo: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their time with us and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a pivotal part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

“Their work has directly impacted the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including midfielder Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers 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 growth of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.