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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 take over as head coach for National Women’s Soccer League expansion side Bay FC.

Fresh Beginnings

Coates succeeds 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 step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC end up 13th in the 14-team 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 different setting.”

Track Record of Success

In her time at the helm in 2023, Coates guided the England U23s through matches including a narrow win over Norway in the continental competition and a 4-2 friendly defeat to the United States. Accompanying her to the United States is her former Lionesses staff member, Gemma Davies, a ex- 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 credentials: “Emma is not only an excellent coach, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of squads and building ethos and has the football vision we were looking for,” the CEO stated.

Club Context

The California side experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and suffering a postseason defeat in its inaugural campaign before struggling to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “Our gratitude goes to Emma and Gemma for their service and wish them all the best with their next chapter. They have played a key role in bolstering the progression route between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly impacted the development of many promising talents who have progressed into senior Lionesses,” he added.

Pathway Success

Since taking over Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has overseen the promotion of several players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and attackers Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for new U23 coaching staff is now underway, with the aim to continue the growth of the youth national team in the future.