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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has resigned her post with the Young Lionesses national team to take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

She takes over from Albertin Montoya, who led the California club during its first two seasons in the top-flight American league. Montoya had revealed in September his intention to step down at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” remarked Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both in my career and as an individual. I am now prepared and eager to push myself in a different setting.”

Proven Developer

During her tenure in 2023, Coates oversaw the England U23s through matches including a 1-0 victory over Norway in the European U23 League and a high-scoring loss to the United States. Making the move alongside her to the United States is her England assistant, Gemma Davies, a ex- Aston Villa manager in the WSL.

Bay FC's CEO, a one-time Football Association technical lead, praised Coates's qualifications: “She is both an excellent coach, but she also has a demonstrated history of nurturing talent to thrive domestically and internationally.”

“She is an outstanding leader of teams and environments and has the football vision we were searching for,” added Cossington.

Club Context

The California side had a contrasting start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before slipping 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 new challenge. Emma, with Gemma, has played a crucial part in bolstering the progression route between the WU23s and the senior squad.”

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

Lasting Legacy

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the promotion of multiple players to the Lionesses squad, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who recently scored her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

Discussions for new U23 coaching staff has begun, as the FA looks to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the future.