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Marking a major shift in her coaching journey, Emma Coates has stepped down from the Young Lionesses national team to be appointed head coach for NWSL franchise Bay FC.

Transition Stateside

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 step down at the end of the 2025 campaign, a season which saw Bay FC finish second-bottom in the league standings.

“It has been a privilege to serve my time with the FA,” stated Coates. “It has been instrumental in my development both on and off the pitch. Now, I feel ready and excited to push myself in a new environment.”

Coaching Pedigree

Since taking charge in 2023, Coates managed 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. Making the move alongside her to the NWSL is her right-hand woman, Gemma Davies, a former Aston Villa manager in the English top division.

Bay FC's CEO, a former FA women’s technical director, spoke highly of Coates's abilities: “Emma is not only an outstanding tactician, but she also has a strong record of developing players to succeed on the biggest stages.”

“Coates excels at leading of teams and environments and has the football vision we were seeking,” she continued.

The Task Ahead

Bay FC experienced a mixed start to its NWSL existence, finishing in seventh place and losing in the playoffs in its inaugural campaign before facing difficulties to a near-bottom placement in 2025.

Gavin Step, Gavin Step, bid farewell to the outgoing coaches: “We thank Emma and Gemma for their contributions and extend our best wishes with their new challenge. They have played a key role in strengthening the pathway between the young Lionesses and the first team.”

“Together, they have directly influenced the development of many young players who have gone on to become senior Lionesses,” Step concluded.

Player Progression

After succeeding Mo Marley in 2023, Coates has been integral to the rise of multiple players to the England senior side, including playmaker Lucia Kendall—who netted her first Lionesses goal—and forwards Michelle Agyemang and Aggie Beever-Jones.

An extensive process for successors to fill the roles has already commenced, to continue the progress of the WU23 program in the seasons ahead.